Today’s trivia:

What year was the first cookbook published in the US?

1742.  It was called The Accomplished Gentlewoman’s Companion.  Umm,  that’s tasty badger.

What was up with Paula last night on American Idol?  The judges were asked to give their opinions of the first of two Neil Diamond songs that the contestants would sing last night. After Randy did his critique of Jason Castro’s performance, it was Paula’s turn. Reading from her notes, she offered her opinion of Castro’s first song, then his second song. One problem. He only sang ONE song. Skeptics care calling this more evidence that the judges’ opinions are already in the can before show even begins. It’s sure beginning to look that way.

  
  I admit it….I’m addicted to American Idol.  And I get a little ticked off when things don’t go as they should.  Brooke White should have  been sent packing  after the most recent show.  
                    I was surprised when it was announced that Carly Smithson was in the bottom two.   No problem.  Brooke White would surely go, since Carly is-by far-the superior talent.   And then the announcement:  “The next person going home is……..Carly Smithson.”
                 What the ????……..The most surprised person in the Kodak theatre was Brooke White.   She dodged another bullet.
  How is this happening?  Synphathy?   Brooke is definitely a likeable person.   Her eyes tear up at  least once per performance.  And we all feel for her when she forgets the lyrics.  And yeah, my parents would have been happy if I brought her home for dinner; but c’mon.  She’s gotta go.
                                        VOTE FOR THE WORST?
              Maybe this website has more power then we think.   It thought it was chiefly responsible for keeping Sanjaya around for so long.  Now, the site is asking people to vote for  Brooke.    Hmmmm…..If the outcome is really close, they may swing things blonde Brooke’s way.

                                                                                  GOING TO THE GIANTS’ GAME
  I’m going to the Giants’ game Sunday.  I can’t believe Barry Zito can be as bad as he’s looked.  He’s pitching, and I am predicting a victory.  Why??   Cuz he’s the Brooke White of baseball, and he needs a hug.
             

I bet you never considered how much you talk to your infant or toddler…

ABC’s Good Morning America

Here’s one of those emails that comes to your inbox that if you really sat and read it, you just might BELIEVE.

I Believe……. That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don’t even know you.

I believe…… That even when you think you have
no more to give, when a friend cries out to you –
you will find the strength to help.

The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

  Unless there’s another major surprise-like the elimination of  Michael Johns-the next American Idol will be either David Cook,  or David Archuleta.   Cook has the best pipes of anyone remaining in the competition.  Archeleta has the “cuteness” factor going for him, plus a pleasing, if not great, voice.  If it’s based on talent,  Cook is the man, but this is just as much a popularity contest, so the cherubic Archeleta will definitely be a factor.  Remember when Paula said she wished she could “squish his head, and hang it from her rear view mirror?”
               Just when it looked like  Kristy Lee Cook was gaining momentum, she was booted.  Personally, I had figured Brooke White would be the next to go.
                      Personally, I was glad to see Priscilla Presley voted off “Dancing With the Stars.”  She was living proof that a face lift is not for everyone.
               I think I am in love with Kristi Yamaguchi.
  Tonight I am going to make my girl friend happy.   I am going to take her to a “chick flick.”  Critics call it “the ultimate romantic disaster movie.”  Richard Roeper-a critic I respect-says “it’s one of the funniest damn movies “Ive ever seen.”  
           I’ll give you a full report on Monday.
                                                                        CROUCHING FOR 3 AND A HALF HOURS?

               The last time I crouched or sat with my legs crossed, was when eating in a traditional Japanese restaurant.  I could hardly stand up. Which brings to mind.:   The Catchers for the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies each caught  a baseball game.  But this was not just ANY baseball game.  It  lasted 21 innings.  These poor guys were in  a squating position for about 3 and a half hours.  My guess is, that they’ll both have today off.     And maybe tomorrow.

Today’s trivia on KOIT:

Q: Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, and John Wayne all turned down the lead in what film?

A: Dirty Harry.

In fact, the producers of Dirt Harry originally wanted to make a sequel to the filmed-in-San Francisco Bullitt. But Steve McQueen said “forget it’ because he never did sequels. So the script was re-written for Clint Eastwood.

With Passover starting Sunday Night, matzo is very hard to find around the Bay Area. Places like Costco and Trader Joe’s no longer carry it, most Safeways have already run out. Oakland Kosher Foods is down to only one brand.  Bella Bogart , religious education director at Congregation Beth Chaim in Danville says It’s a big deal for us. It’s not just a cracker, it’s one of the core things the holiday revolves around.” Adding to the shortage was a breakdown of baking equipment at Manischewitz, one of the largest matzo makers in the US.

Starbucks has setup a website for people to log suggestions. Some of our faves…ice cubes made of coffee so iced coffee won’t get watered down. Here’s one we like. More shelves on which to rest your cup in the rest room.  Or why not just hit the head before you get in line?

                     Were you shocked  when Ryan Secrest announced that Michael Johns was “going home?”  Wow.  I was.  He was my choice to win it all.  The tall, handsome Aussie had a very distinctive rocker voice with a soulful edge.  He chose to sing “Dream on” which was his choice for an “inspirational” song.   Simon said he made a bad song choice.  Johns disagreed.  And besides, he didn’t want “to pander to the judges.”             Good for Johns for having the strength of his convictions, but it probably cost him.  Being in the top ten means he’ll be included in the Idol “Top Ten Tour.”   And he’ll be geting offers for a recording contract.  Meanwhile, Syesha Mercado and the talented Carly Smithson are safe for another week.          And how about the great comeback by Kristy Lee Cook.  Given up for dead a few weeks ago, she is now avoiding being on the “bottom 3.”   Great song choices have helped.
                        Who is your choice to win it all?

Today is my birthday, which makes me an Aries.  It’s always fun to see who shares your birthday.  Most important to me, of course. was my late mother.  Yep, I was born on her birthday.  So yeah, I was probably a “mamas boy.”
           I have always been a fan of ex-raider coach and sportscaster John Madden.  He’s also born April tenth.  As is former Dallas Cowboy star turned broadcaster Dandy Don Merideth, actor Omar Shariff, and rock star Babyface.  Happy Birthday guys.
                 How about you?  Any celebrities that share your BD?

  MY BOSS is of the opinion that noone will be sent home on American Idol this week.  He pointed out that last year at this time, the producers decided that after the great vibes created by the “Idol Gives Back” show, that everyone would be given a weeks’ pass, and noone would have to go home.  Of course we all k now that that meant the the Idol show would last one more week, and thus generate another few million advertising dollars.
                                I agree with my boss.   Nobody goes home  this week.  What do you think?

No surprise.  The highest rated TV shows last week:  American Idol on Tuesday, and Idol on Wednesday.  This week, they will probably have the THREE highest rated shows:  Idol on Tuesday, Idol gives back on Wednesday, and Idol on Thursday.
                             Remember “Survivor?”   It’s fallen out of the top ten, but is still “hangin’ in there.  It’s currently number eleven in the TV ratings.

Ok, I’ll admit it…I’ve finally got involved with these 2 shows this season,   After seeing David Cook sing  “Billie Jean”  I knew I was hooked.  I pick him as my front runner.  I like Carly Smithson’s voice…she’s got the power and the punch, but I guess she’s in jeopardy after last nights performance.

With “Dancing witht the Stars”  I find Kristi Yamguchi amazing to watch…I think if she had this kind of training while she was still competitve with ice skating, no one would touch her.  She’s learning the emotional side of the dance, and it ’s starting to show.  I know that she’s a national treasure – but I find Priscella Presley at bit creepy at times…plastic surgery?  perhaps…