>Total change of subject, in light of you being a musician. Have you been watching "American Idol"? I have not been a regular viewer, just watched it sporadically with my daughters two years ago, but have for some reason become addicted this season. They are down to 16 contestants and will be down to 12 after tonight. The non-contenders have for the most part been weeded out, along with some great singers who are out of it as well. I have some favorites. Will not waste your time discussing further if you don't watch the show. I will say that one of my favorites is Gedeon, from right there in Memphis. He got an early reputation for cockiness, along with Simon's wrath -- not hard to do there -- but has been coming on strong as the contest has gone on. Anyone who burns down "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "When a Man Loves a Woman" in consecutive weeks is aces in my book. Those were bold choices because you know you're going to be compared to the originals. I don't think he will be
> the winner but I like listening to him sing. I also like Lisa (if I had to bet my money would be on her), Mandisa, Paris, Katharine, Taylor, and Chris. But most of them are pretty good at this point.

I've been watching it sporadically, but I suspect we're a week or 2 behind you. The girl with the long black hair, whose mother is a voice coach - she's gonna win. Beautiful voice and the vocal gymnastic range to rival your Mariah Careys.

Of the boys: I hope they get rid of that specky guy with the weedy/reedy voice - unpleasant to listen to.

On the whole I much prefer the "car-crash-TV" of the auditions - hilarious. In the UK we've moved on from the original, Pop Idol to a new format - "The X Factor" - Simon Cowel and Sharon Osbourne on the panel