I don’t know why others watch American Idol. I watch to cheer talented people, often very young though I note their average age is rising. It’s always nice to see that unknown average person, hard working, struggling, trying to pursue a dream, get unbelievable exposure and achieve their dreams. To me, its symbolic for our times now, the struggle, the hope, and the final results of success for someone with whom we can relate. I think Idol is ageless and for those of us old enough to have heard music for decades, interesting to see those who are fearless in changing up the older music. Just because we get older doesn’t mean we stop living. And the distraction and discussion it generates help us all to focus on positive things to stimulate the joy juices in our brains. Read the full story

Health care, the economy, Russ Limbaugh saying he hopes the President fails (ah, et tu Brute? the hell wtih the country, party above all), poltical infighting, and more failing businesses though WalMart is doing fine thank you, are wreaking havoc on those of us who want to have some hope, not to mention fun. So is fun expensive? Nah, it is what you make of it. And I am trying to have some fun (some sites listed for your reading pleasure)…..though I am also using American Idol as my escape from reality. Read the full story