Comprehensive Exams

Mary has taken the girls. I'm home alone working on my comprehensive exams.

Exams start today at 9:00.

5 questions, 10 pages each, 7 days.

I'll talk to you next Wednesday at 9:00 am.

Calling For American Idol Changes

I'm sitting here working and studying for my exams while Mary is watching American Idol. I am not a huge fan of it but I do have some interest in the singers and their abilities. I'd say enough interest to know that if they sing something that is not so good I hear it. I've seen in the news, on TV, and in the paper that the American Idol people are going to make some "changes" next year to increase interest and TV viewership. Well, here is my million dollar idea for change. It's called American idol, well add some Americaness to it. What I mean is this. Every year it's the same thing, the same types of singers, the same judges with the same comments. In the words of Simon, "it's predictable". What I think they should do is add some "American Joe" to the judging panel. Not someone who is well versed in music because I think their opinion would be tainted by their experience in the industry. It should be someone who can hear a note and say "yes that is a good note" or "that is a bad note." Maybe someone who would say, "yes, I would listen to you on the radio." I've had piano lessons so I know a little about music and sometimes I hear some of the singers and I can hear that they missed a note here and there. An average Joe judge I think would add some unpredictability and also represent America in way that has yet to be represented. For one, American Idol is represented by an Englishman, an 80s icon, and a guy who used to play guitar for Journey. Add something more American in there and make it more fun to watch. What do you think?

It's A Boy

Many of you know that Mary is pregnant and many of you may not know that. Well anyway we just wanted to let you know that we found out today that it's a boy. We are both excited to add to our family and we are excited to give Grace and Emme a brother. The sonogram technician said that the baby and all of his parts looked "fabulous."