What America Idolizes

Sorry, folks, but I just had to jump into the American Idol (AI) season eight discussion. While I am not addicted to the show, I do generally tune in during the last few weeks. This season I was for Adam Lambert all the way. He was by far the most interesting, talented, engaged personality among the contestants. But an article by Josh Tyrangiel published in the May 18 issue of Time Magazine, magazine made me review the seasons of American Idol that I've watched. People, AI is a celebration of the bland! There are no two ways about it, the voters seem to prefer someone that's just "good enough". If you've every watched and said, "My cousin Betty sounds that good", or "Heck, I could sing better than that!", you are seeing a potential winner.

Just like in the job market, or the race for promotions on the job, the people who vote don't likie to be challenged. I've seen no statistics, but anectdotal information suggests that most of the voters are teens, pre-teens and children. Metro PCS with unlimited texting, anyone? On a local radio show the hosts shared that they didn't vote, but their daughters did.

I suspect that Adam Lambert will do just fine. Queen could use a front man since losing Freddie Mercury, and Adam had a blast with them. Several of the runners up hve easily eclipsed the season winner.

I'll be a little less inclined to watch American Idol in the future because we have enough bland in entertainment and our culture today. Where are the geniuses of arts, literature, science and phiosophy going to come from in this hideous, timid, politically correct age?

Just my two cents! :-)

Dining Atlanta

Fresh To Order is an awesome little restaurant in the Cumberland Mall in Smyrna GA.

Delish! Fresh ingredients cooked quickly and well. The herb crusted pork loin with raisins and apple is lovely. The mac n cheese is worth -the visit. Grilled veggies are plump and tasty!

Ceasar salad was just OK not nearly as good as Carrbba's. If you happen to be in Smyrna, give both a try.

Ninth tee box

Easter Sunday morning golf! What Could be better? Turkeys, ground squirrels, hawks and song birds. Balm for the spirit as well as the eyes.



Jim and Leonard helped make it a great day of golf. The SALE table at Mather Golf Course offered up tasty items of apparel at bagain prices. Adidas spikeless golf shoes on sale! Wahoo!

Chicago, Chicago

Dateline: March 3, 2008

Wow! If you've never visited Chicago, you've really missed something special. I visited in conjuction with a training assignment and only got the barest taste of what Chicago has to offer, but I love what I got.

First and foremost, I stayed at the fabulous Hilton Palmer House on E. Munroe. This fabled hotel is not to be missed. Not only is it a feast for the eyes and senses, it has a wonderful history. Also not to be missed is the enchanting Lockwood Restaurant (http://www.lockwoodrestaurant.com/) inside the hotel. Thanks to Chef Phillip Foss I can say I've dined. The food is truly world class.

Not to be outdone, Chicago also served up Petterino's, 150 N Dearborn StChicago, IL 60601(312) 422-0150, a truly welcoming pre-theatre treat! Kudos to Tim, my urbane and elegant server for recommding the tomato bisque. http://www.petterinos.com/

To top it all off, I saw Wicked (http://www.wickedthemusical.com) at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theater, 24 W. Randolph Street. It met all my expectations.

On the road again!

Dateline: January 21, 2008

Today I'm at the lovely indoor pool and spa at the Wyndham Las Colinas in Irving, TX.

While cold and wet outside, it is nice in here! This is a lovely hotel with very nice staff.

Beatiful Vancouver

Dateline: February 15, 2008

I am just back from a training trip to British Columbia. I got to visit Burnaby, BC, a small town just outside Vancouver. This picture is from the departure terminal in the Vancouver Airport. The airport is fantastic. There was a waterfall in the arrival terminal!

BC is just lovely. The weather was cold but clear and very nice in all. Burnaby has a very large Asian population which makes for excellent food choices. I stayed at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown which has a great Asian food court and market. You can get all your favorites and some new things too! The congee (jook) was great! Check it out http://www.thecrystalmall.ca/.

Happy trails!

Desert dreams

The hubs and I visited my in-laws in Arizona for Thanksgiving. It was my first time in Phoenix/Scottsdale and I enjoyed cool weather and didn't suffer from dryness.




We had a lovely dinner, reconnected with family and made some new friends. Best of all, we got in a round of golf at Troon North, a Tom Weiskopf course. It was a great afternoon on the links with fantastic views of the desert and the resort community.

I didn't see a single lizard or coyote!