Many flew over the cuckoo's nest & other stuff

THE CUCKOOS NEST

I have been a big fan of American Idol since it's first season. I turned it on in that inaugural year only because nothing was good on the other 100+ channels I receive through cable. So, though I thought this program would be a real turkey, I quickly became hooked. My bride was upstairs, either sewing, or doing some computer things, for the first couple of episodes - but when I saw that my favorite, Kelly Clarkson - was getting ready to sing "After the Break", I called her down to watch. She then became hopelessly addicted, just like me. Anyhow, this season has begun - with the Auditions.

Wowee - what some people do! I confess I think some of those folks that audition must know how awful they are, and do it JUST to get their 2 minutes of fame, humiliating as it must be. However, some of the people who go on actually think they can sing and appear to be incredibly surprised when the judges tell them to take a hike. Obviously, these folks are seriously deluded. The question remains, "How can their family and friends allow them to do this?" Are they as tone deaf as the contestants that make fools of themselves - or are they merely being supportive? Good Grief - I'll admit my singing is akin to frogs croaking in a swamp, but I know it, and wouldn't dare subject myself to Simon Cowell's put-downs. The other thing I wonder about is whether the Producers of American Idol have a psychiatrist standing by for those poor individuals who have a melt-down after Simon has zinged them.

Lots of people can't stand this program, but it's tough to ignore its impact. Yesterday, when I ventured out in my car, I heard a song from Kelly Clarkson on one station; later switched to another station and heard Daughtry, and after completing my chores, heard one from Carrie Underwood.

OKIE NEWS
Big news broke here in Oklahoma yesterday which made most of the populace happy - except those in Stillwater (Home of Oklahoma State University) - Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford announced that he is coming back as QB for the OU Sooners. This news, of course, stole the headlines and lead story on local news channels. We've got our priorities right.

WEATHER
Everyone complains about the weather, so I'm gonna add my two cents. Yesterday, our weather here was rather nice for mid-January. The high was 51. That was at noon though, and then in came a cold front. Today's high temperature is supposed to reach 21 - a drop of 30 degrees, with a wind chill factor of about 12. Last night it was single digits. The problem, you see, is that has been the story throughout this winter - one day it hits 7o, the next it's only 30. Everyone you see is sniffling, or coughing - and has been for a month. To really tick me off, I spoke to both my brother and one of my oldest friends yesterday in Southern California. The temperature was in the eighties. I told them to go @#$%^&.

Old fart Mike