More idle and Idol thoughts

We are headed into night 4 of daddy out of town and the kids and I are getting into a groove. The time change nearly derailed everything, but last night was better than the night before, so it’s all up from here. After last week’s total crapness, it is nice to be feeling better. With this new found joy, I thought I would share a little what’s the what with my loyal readership of 12.

It’s best to start with Idol. It still sucks. Even the contestants that were good didn’t get me out of my seat. (Figurately speaking, of course. I’m no Paula!) I don’t understand the judges. Paula has been so sharp all season, but last night she was off (or on) her meds again. I do find it interesting, that even in her diagonal state, she is the only one of them that actually gives advice. That’s new this year.

I can’t for the life of me figure out why Simon would say that Idol isn’t the place to try new things, when just last May the winner of the competition changed it up every week. Billie Jean, anyone? Or Blake Lewis kicking Bon Jovi’s ass two years ago? Wouldn’t Simon get bored hearing the same bombastic crapola every week? Really though, it’s not the contestants artistry that is the problem, it’s that they are all tools. Well, maybe not Scott MacIntyre. He’s just boring.

I’m going to disagree with Slezak‘s inital thoughts about Michael Sarver. I not only really liked his vocal last night, but I don’t care that he is up there because Simon said he deserved a break. He does! This country sucks right now and if dude gets a few months away from the oil rig, and hopefully gets to go on tour, it will suck a little less for Michael Sarver. He’s not hurting anyone. It’s not like he got picked to be on the Secret Service. And he’s a better singer than Jasmine Murray, who was a fembot last night. Even Jorge Nunez’ audition for Fantasy Island performance of “Never Can Say Goodbye” had more heart than Jasmine’s performance. Jorge and Jasmine are my picks to go home.

I think two people are going home tonight, although there is some surprise that I couldn’t get a bead on between Paula’s slurring and all the cross-talk. I am sure it will be the kind of surprise you find on the bottom of your shoe after what you thought was a nice stroll in the park. That would be on par with the rest of the season.

Other quick impressions from last night:
Adam: Still gives me the creeps. Still hate his hair. Kid can perform though.*
Alexis: She wants it, but I think she’s just alright.
Anoop: Wasn’t as bad as the judges said. Not sure he has much of a voice though.
Alison: Acts like a 16-year old. Sings like, well, Ann Wilson. Love.
Danny: He’s really growing on me. He’s a good singer and I liked his big, funny family.
Matt: Don’t remember him, so I’m going to say ‘not memorable.’
Kris: Very cute. Love the guitar. He’ll go far in the competition I think.
Megan: I love her husky voice and I don’t care that she doesn’t hit the notes (Brooke White didn’t either — didn’t care), but that has to be the worst song choice in Idol history. And did I see her flapping her arms like a chicken? Really, dawg?

In the category of idle — and random — thoughts, wanted to quickly share a kickin’ recipe that I tried last night. It’s flat bread that I made with garbanzo bean flour. The kids made theirs into pizza and I dipped mine in tomato sauce and hummus (I like chick peas with my chick peas) and ate it with olives and manchego cheese. I’ve been cooking a lot lately and this is one of the tastiest recipes yet. It’s a Mark Bittman recipe. He’s been my cooking boyfriend lately. Here it is and enjoy! www.markbittman.com…

* Just watched Adam Lambert’s performances of “Satisfaction” and “Black or White” again and I’m reconsidering him. I think he might be the grown-up of the group, and even with the Broadway stylings, he can kind of really rock. My skeeves might be fading.