Idol Observation

I didn't think I'd love tonight, as I've never been a big Neil Diamond fan. But it's turning out to be great fun after all:

• Paula got all discombobulated, reviewing Jason's second number before he did it. Gotta love live TV!

• The songs and performances are so cheesy it's almost as if I AM watching the Cubs play those cheesehead Brewers (who I feel guilty for skipping in favor of Idol). Brooke was delightfully corny on "I'm a Believer," Jason shook his dreds as he strummed and crooned "Forever in Blue Jeans" and Archuleta was like a human can of Cheeze Whiz with "Sweet Caroline" and "Coming to America."

• David Cook has completely won me over, and Brooke redeemed herself with her second number, "I Am, I Said."

• Poor Syeesha. I never remember anything about her once she finishes. Tonight isn't any different.

• Every week I'm fonder and fonder of Simon. Of the four onstage every week, he's the only one who seems honest and genuine (if also occasionally insensitive). He's the grumpy old prof you made fun of but really, secretly wanted to give you an A.

Buh-Bye

Obama 'outraged' and 'saddened' by Wright

Sen. Barack Obama said today he was appalled by the latest comments from his former pastor, who asserted that criticism of his fiery sermons is an attack on the black church and the U.S. government was responsible for the creation of the AIDS virus. (For more from the Chicago Tribune, click here.)

Hopefully now Rev. Jeremiah Wright will fade from view and we can pay attention to ISSUES, like whether or not to give drivers a summer vacation from the federal gas tax.

Another reason to love Lucy

One weekend morning earlier in the month, I was farting around on the Internet and watching I Love Lucy … again. I was amazed by how quickly the time flew, and how content I was, curled up on the sofa, playing Pogo, enjoying Lucy and Ricky and Ethel and Fred.

I googled the old girl and found Lucy-Desi.com, the official website for a museum in Lucy's hometown of Jamestown, NY. I thought that was just adorable. As with all really good museums, they have a gift shop, which can be accessed online. I impulsively ordered this nightshirt and alarm clock. I thought they would make mornings easier to take.

I forgot about this order until I received my credit card statement. Maybe it's impulse purchases like these that stop me from ever getting my finances in order, but never mind. That's not the point of this post.

I ordered that stuff back on 4/12! Where is it?
Damn those Lucy-Ricky shysters!
I'll make them sorry they screwed with THIS gal!

I called the museum gift shop just now without an order number, without item numbers, and demanded to know why my credit card had been charged.

The woman who worked at the gift shop was so nice, so patient, so willing to go the extra mile to check where my items were and when I could expect to receive them. With friendliness and grace she completely took all the haughty wind out of my "the customer is always right" sail.

So if there's a Lucy fan on your gift list, head over to Lucy-desi.com. They deserve your business because they are so nice. I don't know where Jamestown, NY, is exactly, but if I can ever get out there, I'm visiting the museum. Admission is just $6, and it looks like a terrific good time.