My Two Cents

What America Idolizes

2009-05-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

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!

Three Monkeys

2008-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

There is a hot new restaurant in Sacramento, CA, called Three Monkeys. Located just off the K Street Mall near 7th Street, it features an eclectic California menu which includes sushi.

My handsome husband and I found this by accident. We were on the way back from the IMAX theater when I noticed the sign on the mall. The entrance actually faces the outdoor ice rink that the City creates each winter.

We had sushi and seared Kobe beef. Both were excellent. More than excellent are the friendly and attentive staff.

North Carolina Golf

2007-10-02T07:29:00.001-07:00

I played 18 holes of golf at a local course named Knights Play. This is Hole 8. Isn't it beautiful.

Knights play is a very challenging par 54 course (all par 3 holes), hilly with contoured greens.

Dining out in Cary, NC

2007-10-01T16:54:00.001-07:00

Mike shucking oysters at Tony's New Orleans Style Oyster Bar, a raw bar. This is something I've only encountered in the Eastern US. Fresh seafood cooked while you wait. Yumm

Edinburgh Drive, Cary, NC

2007-10-01T15:10:00.001-07:00

Hey, I'm quick blogging from the Raleigh Durham area. The area is gorgeous!

This pic is a covered bridge leading to the Hilton Hotel across the street from the Courtyard by Marriot where I'm staying. You can smell the pine everywhere.

There is a quiet little stream along the edge of the stream and deep woods making for a lovely background. There has been very little rain this year and locals are concerned about potential woater shortages.

Food At Hand

2007-09-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

I love to eat!

One of my favorite things is to find a new dish, recipe or restaurant. A welcoming place to meet and eat with friends makes my day. I love to go out to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Let's talk dining out.

I had a delicious Sonoma duck salad at 55 Degrees on Sept. 18. Don't miss it. My hands and mouth were busy and very happy.

As soon as I can I'm going for the maine lobster & norwegian smoked salmon ($16.00).

Welcome

2007-09-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, welcome to my blog. It is often said that busy hands are happy hands, I'm thinking that's true. I am a tactile sort of person. This is a journal of what keeps my hands busy and my mind engaged.

On these pages you'll read about the things my hands can find to captivate them.

food
crafts
books
pets

There may be the occaisional poem or story when I'm feeling especially creative.