In the words of Jen Zug, "I think I'm throwing up a little in my mouth..."

Little did you know with the title above that we would be discussing American Idol 2008 finals! And, yes, fully knowing that my husband thinks I'm taking this a little too seriously, I have to say that I have never in my life seen such Flagrant pimping from the judges. And frankly, I'm not sure I understand the reasons why. In my mind, the mind of a consumer, I would think that David Cook is the bigger money maker with a more definitive radio-friendly sound. David Archuleta, who arguably has one of the most accurate and pure voices to ever grace the AI stage, is a "crooner". When was the last time you heard a guy sing a cheesy ballad on a top 40 station? And, yes, people. My radio is often tuned to top-40. I have kids and I can't always be listening to talk radio, NPR or alternative adult contemporary folk/rock. Besides, sometimes I actually enjoy it! And I would enjoy it even more if David Cook was on it!!!! Someone who takes more risks with his song choices and arrangements and is old enough to make those risks and choices on his own (without parental interference). I have a feeling I am going to be disappointed tonight.

One word...

Just a quick...

...post while I wait for Landen to get out of the shower so I can drive him to Jazz Band before school...

Higglytown Heroes:

• What's with rhyming "heroes" with "fear-o"? It sends a spine-chilling shiver (akin to the one that accompanies fingernails on the blackboard...which....I don't even think they use anymore...anywho...) through my entire body everytime I have to hear that lame attempt at creativity.


• What responsible parent in their right mind would allow their children to play with a squirrel? They are rabies infested, nut chucking, vile little creatures! I don't care how cute they are or if they happen to be able to speak with an authentic Minnesota accent!

Preschool Perspective

Maddie's comments to me while we watched "Dancing With The Stars" during their samba/rhumba episode...

1. "Mommy, somebody ripped the back of her dress!"


2. "Eeewwww...she's NAKED!"

Tonight's Plans

Sit down on the couch in my clean house and watch the season premiere of The Biggest Loser ...probably with some baked Tostito chips and salsa... while I pray for inspiration!

Hooked on new show...

"Saving Grace"...superb writing, fantastic acting, not schmaltzy...I am LOVING it!!!! FYI: It's new this season and you can catch the Pilot and last few episodes in their entirety online so you'll be all caught up.

conscience disclosure: this has a PG-13 rating for language, situations etc.

The spooky quiet...

HSM 2.

If you have no idea what that stands for then you probably don't have any elementary or middle-school aged kids.

High School Musical 2 is premiering as we speak. The world of texting, IM-ing, phone calls, kids in the cul-de-sac playing ghost in the graveyard...it has all been silenced as the youth of the nation are riveted to the screen and the blossoming musical relationship of Troy and Gabriella. Will they ever kiss? It remains to be seen but I promise I'll let you know when it's over.

Back to popcorn, licorice and squirmy bored three-yr olds who won't be quiet so their siblings can hear the tv...

Does anyone else...

get embarrassed when they're watching tv with their 13 year old son and a commercial for "personal lubricant" comes on?

Why I Love "Lost"...or Regaining the Enjoyment I Felt Taking My College Philosophy Courses

One of my favorite memories from college was studying for Philosophy tests with Larry. I loved reading about theories on time and reality and then wrestling through them with him. I found that reading about the philosophers helped give definition to what I believed and thought. In addition, I realized that many of the authors that I devoured on a regular basis wrote from a definitive philosophical perspective that I could now name (i.e. C.S. Lewis and Platonic thought).

Through the years since, an occasional book or movie will ignite a renewed interest in my philosophical side and I always take great pleasure in the mind-stretching that ensues.

That being said, the television show "Lost" has spun me into a philosophical revival of sorts. On a purely entertainment level, I thoroughly enjoy the characters, mysteries, mystic premises and relationships but I had trouble pin-pointing the exact reason for my obsession with this series. Until now! I don't want to regurgitate what has already been so eloquently stated by various reviewers, writers, and fans but I would like to point you to article that I found completely absorbing.

If you are a fan of "Lost" or a fan of philosophy, this is a great read (whether you buy into the writer's theories or not). Be warned: If you haven't been keeping up with the series, you may find some spoilers.

'Lost,' a la Descartes