Tuesday's Tunings

American Idol (Fox) - I can't wait to see what David Cook does with a Dolly Parton song.

Biggest Loser (NBC) - It's off to Australia for the remaining losers.

Hell's Kitchen (Fox) - Gordon! Gordon! Gordon!

Big Brother (CBS) - Veto competition

Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - Results show with a performance by Kylie Minogue.

Live to Be 150...Can You Do It? (ABC) - I think the real question is, do I want to? I'm tired now - I'm not really excited by the idea of 120 more years to go.

The Riches (FX) - A traveler from their past is released from prison, adding just one more thing for the Riches to deal with.

Daytime Highlights: The dreamy Seth Meyers on Martha Stewart - he makes cupcakes too! And Ellen's show is a family affair with Paula, Jamie and Bobby Deen and the Jonas Brothers.

Late Night Highlights: John McCain on Letterman and a big night for Leno - David Beckham, Sherri Shephard AND the B-52's. Kimmel has the latest Dancing with the Stars castoff, plus Ryan Phillippe and Carole King.

Are Ready for This Donkeys?

Get out the risotto! Chef Gordon Ramsey and his bleepin' mouth deserve their own post. Hell's Kitchen returns on April 1! If you like relentless humiliation of others, this show is for you. Rumor has it we might even get a double batch this season/summer. That would be awesome.

Monday's Shows

Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - I'm sorry for not mentioning last week Britney Spears would be on How I Met Your Mother. I didn't have high hopes that it would be worth mentioning, but it kind of was.

Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - I totally called who was going home last week. Let's see if I can pull a repeat this week.

New Amsterdam (Fox) - So the guy's been alive for hundreds of years and has a trail of kids behind him?

Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious (CW) - Jenna and her horrible eye makeup were sent home last week. I swear, her eyelashes were part of her bangs or something. So disturbing. We also learned that Girlicious is about all energy and fire. and that there is a difference between being a diva in the bad way and being a diva in the good way. Carrie is front runner and maybe Tiffany and Nicole is good too. This week - video shoot on a boat! How many girls go overboard?

Medium (NBC) - What I'm learning is that Medium is a big fan of "to be continued" endings. Tonight's the end of last week's episode.

CSI: Miami (CBS) - I don't generally watch, but I thought I'd give it a try because I think tonight's episode is a cliffhanger that will be finished tomorrow night. Apparently, I to am a fan of "to be continued" endings.

Late Night Highlight: - Neil Patrick Harris on Craig Ferguson. Love both of them. Love.

Farewell, Mika!

It's time for Mika to move on from the Listening Lounge, but I wanted to send him off with the video for one of my favorite songs, Love Today. It has everything - falsetto, day-glo clothing and choreographed dancing. You're welcome.


Love Today Video

Scenes from the Subway: Let's hope it was fudge

I think a lot of people get the idea that life in New York City is awesome and glamorous all the time. Those people have not spent much time on the subway. Last week, during rush hour, I got on the train and almost stood near this woman with a giant suitcase. It wasn't the suitcase that made me move, but rather the large mass of brown stuff she was holding in her hand and licking (ew). So I moved as far away as I could and when the train emptied out a little, I couldn't help but stare. Upon further inspection, the brown stuff wasn't squishy (um, yay?), it was hard and she kept putting it in her mouth, spitting it out, licking it and repeat. I couldn't figure out what it was, aside from disgusting.

Also, this is why I carry Wet Naps and Purell at all times.

Weekend Timewasters

I'm lumping all of the weekend tv picks together because there aren't very many of them. And if any of you were waiting all week for The Return of Jezebel James, I'm sorry to tell you that it's been canceled. I suspect most of you will be okay.

Friday Fun
Canterbury's Law (Fox) - The Deputy AG is building a case against Canterbury. Whatever will she do?

Sunday Shows
Big Brother (CBS) - Who will HOH Natalie nominate for eviction?

Cold Case (CBS) - I love flashback thing on this show. You know the thing - where one minute it's the person when they were like 14 years old and then the next second they are current age of like 45 or whatever. It's sometimes the only reason I watch.

Daybreak (TV One) - Hopper is getting a better idea of what a true friend really does. Namely, they don't frame you for murder.

Dirt (FX) - I think what bothers me most about this show is that the gimmicks are so transparent. The stuff that is so shocking! and cutting-edge! is clearly just thrown in to be shocking and cutting-edge. And it's so distracting because the show doesn't let it happen organically as part of the story. If the show would get over that, I think I might actually enjoy it.

Culture Corner: Review of Conversations in Tusculum

The country you love and the values it represents are being destroyed by a misguided leader. You can continue to live in relative comfort by not involving yourself, or you can take action to save the democracy you love. Set outside of Rome in the villas and hillsides of Tusculum, Richard Nelson continues his revelatory exploration of history with a new play that chronicles those entangled in Julius Caesar’s world of manipulation and power.

First of all, check out the awesome view from my seat, which vibrated because the theater is on top of the 6 train. Super relaxing. Then, a big shout out to me right in the very beginning when they mentioned a character from Utica. Holla! The cast was absolutely fantastic and I think that it is a testament to the talent of the actors that the production could be staged simply with no big sets and minimal props. I was surprised to see that Aidan Quinn is giving Brian Dennehy a run for the title of "the biggest man in the cast" - and he might be winning.

Overall, the play was good and I am glad that I went, but I didn't love it.

Celebrity Sighting: Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Outside the theater, smoking a cigarette and drinking something cold from Starbucks. I wasn't sure if it was him or not, but I read that he is directing a different play at the Public Theater so I think it had to be him. Let's just say he was dressed very casually so I thought he might be a vagrant. Oops.

Thursday's TV Tips

Miss Guided (ABC) - I LOVE Judy Greer. I LOVE Chris Parnell. I MODERATELY LIKE Brooke Burns. I might hate this show. But if you like it, you should watch. I won't judge.

Reaper (CW) - Sam learns his new neighbors are demons. Demons who are gay, stylish and excellent cooks, but still, demons (played by the hilarious Michael Ian Black and Ken Marino). Don't judge - I love this show.

Lost (ABC) - Replay of the season 4 premiere. I'm still living in season 3, but am putting this into the archive so I can be caught up when new episodes start in April.

Celebrity Apprentice (NBC) - 2 hour LIVE finale. Trace Adkins vs. Piers Morgan. Tune in if only to hear Trace Adkins speak.

Eli Stone (ABC) - GEORGE MICHAEL! Some more!

Song Obsession: Toxic

I'll admit that I have a soft spot for the genius known as ODB (may he rest in piece). I recently discovered Mark Ronson and have been listening to his CD Version. Check out his version of Britney's song Toxic, featuring ODB and someone named Tiggers (note that I don't know who that is and couldn't learn anything about him online). I am loving this right now so I had to share. And you can thank ODB for the parently advisory flag I'm throwing down for the lyrics. That's just how he rolls.

powered by ODEO

Cute Kid Alert: Kicking It Sally Style!

I'm trying to space out my posts, so that I don't run out of content in the first two weeks, but I couldn't delay on this. She's too stinking cute.

Kate & John - keep up the good work! And thank you for letting me share.

Wednesday's Watchings

First of all, I totally called who was going home on Dancing with the Stars! I am a genius. If only I could use my powers for good. Also, I'm sure I'll have no idea who is going home next week. Or will I????

Big Brother (CBS) - Someone else goes home.

America's Next Top Model (CW) - Oooh! One model gets extra time with Nigel. He's married, but still, yummy.

Supernanny (ABC) - It's a repeat but I'm not sure I've seen it.

American Idol (Fox) - Kimberly Locke is back for the results show. Love her.

Men in Trees (ABC) - Someone needs a kidney transplant! Don't call my family - we are tapped out.

Top Chef (Bravo) - Mexican fiesta! Olé!

Opinion: Dancing with the Stars

My thoughts on last night:

I liked Shannon Elizabeth, Jason Taylor, Kristi Yamaguchi and Mario. I think Shannon Elizabeth's obstacle will be the fact that she's Shannon Elizabeth so I'm not sure about her voting base. I also liked Steve Guttenberg (The GUTE!) but I'm so weirded out by how muscular he is.

I think there is a good chance we'll be saying goodbye to Monica Seles tonight. She was better, but still kind of uncomfortable to watch. It's harder to guess on which male celebrity will go home. I think Adam Carrolla probably has a lot of fans, plus he's paired with Julianne Hough (what is with her hair extensions this season?), so he'll probably be around for a while. The Gute has a lot of goodwill because people love 80s movies so I think he's good for at least a couple more weeks. My best guess is Penn Jillette. We'll find out tonight!

A Little Love from Uncle Sam!

By now, I think you may have heard about the economic stimulus payment that will be coming to a mailbox near you in May. Or as I heard it referred to the other day, the HDTV stimulus package. Well, here's a handy little tool courtesy of the IRS to help you estimate your expected payment.

Show me the money!

You'll need a copy of your Federal return, or at least a good idea of ballpark figures. I don't have any dependents, property or write-offs and even I was pleased with the results - though I'm a little short for an HDTV. The best part - you don't have to do anything to claim your money (except have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return). The IRS will take care of it! Of course, I'm no expert so don't count your chickens until they hatch in your hands.

Happy calculating!

Tuesday's Tunings

All My Children (ABC) - Erica Kane on the lam with her hard line cellie! We may have already seen this on Ugly Betty but it doesn't mean it won't be entertaining this time around too.

Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - Really, ABC? After 3 hours last week and 2 hours on Monday, you expect me to tune in for a 1 hour performance recap before the 1 hour results show? Don't you know that I have 3 other overblown reality shows to watch?

American Idol (Fox) - The finalists perform songs from the year they were born.

The Biggest Loser (NBC) - SABOTAGE! The players give each other calories during the challenge! I love it! Someone will cry about how mean Mark is, I guarantee.

Big Brother (CBS) - Veto competition and meeting. And 30 minutes of filler, I mean, gameplay.

Jericho (CBS) - Series finale. For real this time, says CBS. Luckily, the show shot an ending to give fans some closure. We'll miss you, Jericho! I'll miss Hawkins and his bad-assery most of all.

The Riches (FX) - Minnie Driver is going to be a single mom. Watch her show so it gets renewed. Oh, and because it is good.

Late Night Highlight: Eliminated celebrity from Dancing with the Stars on Kimmel.

Easter with Eli (and Alisa!)

Yeah, I worshipped with Eli Manning this morning. That's just how I roll. Or really, it's how Alisa rolls and I just tagged along.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - the Protestants know how to rock a church service. The music was awesome!

Thanks to Alisa for the invitation - it was a really nice morning. Then I came home and made an awesome dinner - ham, corn, cornbread, scalloped potatoes (from a box), pineapple and deviled eggs. I'm quite the gourmet!

Monday's Shows

I'm trying to come up with a clever title for the tv listings but can't come up with a good play on words for Monday. Leave your suggestions in the comments!

Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - All the stars dance again tonight and then tomorrow, two people go home. Unless she shows a remarkable improvement, I'm betting on Monica Seles being one of them. Her dancing was painful.

The Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - I love these two shows. Again, all new episodes with the CBS comedy block until 10:00 PM (with Two and a Half Men and The New Adventures of Old Christine).

Gossip Girl (CW) - It's in repeats, but use the opportunity to catch up before new episodes start in April. I love everything about it.

New Amsterdam (Fox) - He's making progress with the doctor who might be his soulmate! Yay - true love!

Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious (CW) - The dream ends for one more girl when she has to hang up her boa. But not before one of them bitches out the poor-man's-Randy-Jackson singing coach!

Medium (NBC) - Did I mention Anjelica Houston has been guesting on this show?

High School Confidential (WE) - I've heard good things, so I'm going to give it a shot. All 3 episodes will be aired tonight. Described as 12 girls, 4 years in the making, 1 unprecedented WE tv event.

Programming Note: Canterbury's Law (Fox) has been moved to Friday nights, which doesn't bode well for it's future. It's been replaced tonight with a repeat of House, which I will always recommend.

Easter Time is Here!

I'll be celebrating the Easter holiday by going to church with Alisa (I hope the Presbyterians adhere to the same "one hour on the dot" motto as the Methodists!), followed by a viewing of Jesus Christ Superstar while I eat my ham steak and instant potatoes. I also want to thank the Murphy's for the Easter basket they sent me. Delicious!

Sunday's Shows

You may have noticed no listings were provided for Saturday. That's because there are even fewer new shows aired on Saturday nights than Friday nights. I suggest reading a book or watching a movie if you're home. Tonight I'm catching up on the HBO mini series John Adams which will air a new episode on Sunday night.

Rock of Love (VH-1) - To help get to know the girls, this week Bret brings their most recent exes to the house. Good thing the girl who has a restraining order on her current husband went home last week or that could have been AWKWARD!

One Tree Hill (CW) - A soap wedding! Complete with a father fresh out of jail, mutiple exes AND a crazy "hand that rocks the cradle" nanny. I can't wait.

Big Brother (CBS) - These people are idiots. Maybe I am too because I keep watching.

Day Break (TV One) - Really compelling. Taye Diggs is a cop that's been framed for a murder. He keeps reliving the day he gets arrested over and over but manages to change the events little by little. I know it didn't get a full series pick-up from ABC so I think there are only 13 episodes and I'm just hoping that the last episode will have some sort of resolution. I probably shouldn't get my hopes up.

Dirt (FX) - I keep watching this show but I can't tell you why. It's not bad, but it's not good.

Olfactory Assault

Someone in my apartment building has gotten new perfume. It's so strong I can smell it in the hallway even if I haven't heard anyone leave recently. At the play last night, two women asked the usher if they could switch their seats so they ended up sitting in front of me. One of them shares the same taste as my neighbor. I don't know where they shop, but I hope that store closes. Soon.

Culture Corner: Conversations in Tusculum

Lately, I've found myself with a little more free time in the evenings, so I've been taking advantage of Broadway plays and show. Tonight's agenda includes a trip to the Public Theater for Conversations in Tusculum. What's that about, you say? I didn't know either - but I knew that Brian Dennehy (Tommy Boy!) Joe Grifasi (The Bronx is Burning), Aidan Quinn (Desperately Seeking Susan), Gloria Reuben (ER), David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck) and Maria Tucci (Law & Order) were all appearing so I thought it'd be worth my while. Look for my review this weekend!

Oh, Marvita. We'll Miss You So.

Last night, Marvita was eliminated from America's Next Top Model. This brings great sadness to me because Marvita provided what might be my favorite quote from a reality show contestant EVER. I've added this divine quote to my inner monologue and it applies to so many life situations. I present it to you now.

"This ho is trippin'."
A moment of silence for all the gems we will never get to experience.

Photo from CWTV.com

Thursday's TV Tips (Bonus Friday Listing Included!)

Miss Guided (ABC) - This sitcom started on Tuesday night. I haven't watched it yet, but tonight you'll find two new episodes. I like Judy Greer, but it might have an annoying voiceover so we'll see.

Lost (ABC) - I'm still catching up on season 3, but I'm recording this season so I'll be all caught up someday

Reaper (CW) - This show usually makes me laugh out loud AND it has the kid who played Spanish in Old School. He rocks. It's mindless entertainment and I like it!

Eli Stone (ABC) - Periodic over-choreographed numbers? Of course I watch!

Lipstick Jungle (NBC) - Season finale!

Because the networks think people are out doing fun things, there usually is nothing noteworthy on television on Friday night. Last week, The Return of Jezebel James (Fox) started. It has Lauren Ambrose (from Six Feet Under) and Parker Posey (from a million random shows and movies) and is from the creators of Gilmore Girls. Even so, it might not be that good, which is sad. Because I want to love it.

Watchings for Wednesday

Survivor (CBS) - I told you yesterday. It's not my fault if you weren't paying attention.

America's Next Top Model (CW) - BENNY NINJA! He's the best. He taught me last season that you should always walk like you're on the runway with a soundtrack in your head. As you do. He's also like a professional voguer or something.

Supernanny (ABC) - I always fear the future of humanity after watching this show. As someone with no kids, I'm not sure I'm qualified to sit in judgment, but sitting in judgment is sort of what I do best.

American Idol (Fox) - Results show. Tape it so you can watch whatever horrific group sing they've concocted. And then fast-forward through the other 55 minutes to find out who is leaving.

Men in Trees (ABC)/Law & Order (NBC) - Both staples in my viewing rotation. Men in Trees is quirky, funny, light-hearted (usually). Law & Order is an institution.

Top Chef (Bravo) - They're in Chicago and have already done deep-dish pizza. I wonder what they'll do for the rest of the season.

Late Night Highlights - Pacey (Joshua Jackson) on Craig Ferguson! Repeat of Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough on Kimmel.

Tuesday TV Tips

Biggest Loser (NBC) - Makeovers = Awesome. Tim Gunn = DOUBLE Awesome.

American Idol (Fox) - We're down to only 2 David's I think (the male stripper is gone), but at least they can sing. Or can they? You be the judge!

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (ABC) - I'll be busy with makeovers and singers but some of you might like this. (Max FitzPatrick, I'm looking at you!)

Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - Oh yes, it's ladies' night and the feeling's right...

One Tree Hill (CW) - Soapy and lovable. A wedding tonight (or maybe not - cause, soapy). My dance card (aka DVR) is a little full, so I might wait and catch this on the Sunday rerun. Thank you, CW!

Jericho (CBS) - Only three or so episodes left of this fan-saved show - not sure if there are any plans for another season but I would tune in if there were.

The Riches (FX) - I started watching this last season because the Murphy's were going to watch, but I got hooked (big surprise) and I think they decided to spend their time raising their baby (a choice I approve of, by the way). The premise of the show is a family of conmen who take over the lives of some rich, but dead, people. It works much better than my lame one-sentence description. The tension of the show comes from the suspense of whether or not they will be found out. Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver are fantastic and perfectly cast. Highly recommend it.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels (A&E) - It can be staged, but it's usually entertaining. His kids have excellent comic timing.

Real Housewives of New York City (Bravo) - We have shallow people too! I'll probably wait and watch the inevitable marathon on Memorial Day weekend (and every weekend between now and then).

Talk Show Highlights - Nathan Lane on The View, Ice-T on Conan, Carole King on The Colbert Report.

Plan Ahead: Due to the NCAA extravaganza, Survivor will air on Wednesday night!

The Best Show You Aren't Watching (Likely)

So, I promised my thoughts on Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious and I'm sure you've all been waiting on the edge of your seat especially since the next episode will be on in about 20 minutes. The bottom line - this show is completely fabulous. It takes everything I love about America's Next Top Model and ramps it up about 50 notches. The girls do not hide their disdain and contempt for each other, at all, which I find so refreshing! You have to be able to sing and dance to be in Girlicious (the doomed group that will be formed at the end of this show) and basically the girls hate each other. The performances are judged by creator Robin Antin, the president (?) of Geffen Records and Lil' Kim (giving back to society). Oh - and I almost forget, Mark McGrath is the host. And is handsome. My favorite person on the show is the choreographer because he (yes, he) seems to absoulutely detest the girls AND he is hilarious when he's showing them how wrong they are doing the moves. He is so disgusted with their lack of talent. It's great.

Last week, one group had to perform on ROLLER SKATES! And didn't even get extra points! Which I think is unfair, but only because of the lost potential of someone falling. Sadly, I don't think there will be any more roller-skating numbers but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The best, best, best part of the show is the farewell. Each girl has been issued a pink feather boa! I know! And when they are getting kicked off, Robin very seriously says "I'm sorry, you will not be in Girlicious. Please hang up your boa." And then everybody cries. Everyone, but me because I am too busy smiling, rolling my eyes and starting the countdown to the next episode.

St. Patrick's Day Television Viewing

First of all, a Happy St. Patrick's Day toast to all my peeps. If you happen to find yourself at home and lucid enough to watch television, here are some options.

Dancing with the Stars (ABC) - Will a pairing with Adam Carrolla be enough to keep Julianne Hough from a three-peat? How many times will we hear about her singing career this season? Find out tonight when the male celebrities take the floor!

The Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - The CBS comedy block has all new episodes tonight. My mom recommended The Big Bang Theory to me and she was absolutely right. Mommies always know best. The comedy block continues until 10:00 PM with Two and a Half Men and The New Adventures of Old Christine but I'm lukewarm on both of those.

Canterbury's Law/New Amsterdam (F0x) - I've already said that I'd watch Canterbury's Law again. I've been watching New Amsterdam and it's pretty good. He's immortal until he finds true love so he makes some good cracks about it. The show reminds me a little bit of Moonlight (vampire detective show on CBS) but I think it has better writing and weaves in the backstory better.

Medium (NBC) - A strike addition to my rotation, but good even though Patricia Arquette is not always one of my favorites.

Late Night Highlights - Rainn Wilson on Letterman, Martha Stewart on Conan.

She's a Bad Mama Jama

I finally got a chance to watch Canterbury's Law this afternoon. I always feel like pilot episodes are so bad and not a fair representation of the show, but basically Julianna Margulies is Canterbury and she's tough and fights for the righteous or something. So kind of like Shark but with a woman and less flash/smarm cause she's sticks up for the downtrodden. Maybe. And she got cold-clocked by the bad guy while he was on the witness stand, which never happens on Shark or Law & Order so I'll watch again.

Oh, and foxy Aidan Quinn showed up which is never bad.

America's Next Top Meat Model

Last night I watched the latest episode of America's Next Top Model. The girls had to go to a photo shoot in the meatpacking district. And pose in clothing partially MADE OUT OF RAW MEAT. What the? It was all a little too Silence of the Lambs for me. At one point, Tyra referred to a pair of bikini bottoms as "meat drawers." Ew. How on earth did they even come up with this idea? Is that high-fashion? Is there a big need for models who can sell clothing made out of raw meat? Because if there is, I most certainly do not want to know.

There's still too many girls for me to tell them apart, and since the makeovers have already happened I spend most of the episode trying to figure out who has ended up with the "weave-of-death." There's one every season - a girl who is given ridiculous extensions but no instructions (or inclination) to take care of them so by the time she's eliminated, her hair has become a giant knot basically. Lauren is a top contender for the "weave-of-death" but I think we could see strong showings from Aimee, Anya and maybe Whitney (who tries too hard in her interviews). But since I can't tell them apart, I might be using the wrong names.

Television for Sunday, March 16

Wisegal (Lifetime) - Alyssa Milano. James Caan. On Lifetime! Sweet.

Rock of Love with Bret Michaels (VH-1) - It's so horrible, but I cannot look away. If you are feeling down, guaranteed you will feel superior with only a few minutes of this show. Though - it might make you worry about the state of humanity a bit. It could go either way really.

Day Break (TV One - who even knew that was a channel?) - This is the show with Taye Diggs where I think he's a cop? And he keeps reliving the day he dies? Or something? At any rate, it was yanked by ABC last season and is only 13 episodes I think. I like Taye Diggs on Private Practice, so I'm willing to try and work this in the rotation for now.

Breaking Bad (AMC) - It looks like AMC is running an encore presentation of this series starting tonight (the season was only about 8 episodes long). It's heavy material but I liked the dark humor and it was interesting to see the dad from Malcolm in the Middle as a beaten-down, overweight, high school chemistry teacher turned meth dealer.

Sneak peek for the week: Dancing with the Stars is back (yes!), Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Biggest Loser (makeovers! Tim Gunn!), The Riches, Top Chef. And I'll treat you to my thoughts on Canterbury's Law, New Amsterdam, Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious (hint: awesome) and America's Next Top Model.

Cable is good. Life is good.

Site features/suggestions welcome

So, I think it's safe to say that television and what I'm watching or what I've watched will probably be featured fairly prominently on the blog. The writers strike was rough, but we are through it now and new shows are coming starting as early as this week.

Also, I've already gotten a request from someone to be a "featured contributer" to my blog. So stay tuned for that. So exciting!

If there's a topic or area that you think I should be covering, drop me a line. We aim to please.

My cousin cut her hair short

Sort of like mine, but no bangs. And it looks fab. Hopefully she'll let me post a picture. Come on Tiff - don't keep your public waiting!

Don't be glib

Just returned from Los Angeles. I narrowly escaped, but my sleep pattern was a casualty.

And so it begins

So, I've toyed with the idea of starting a blog for a while now but just wasn't sure I'd have enough interesting thoughts to make it worth while. I'm still not sure I have enough thoughts (let alone interesting ones) but I've been encouraged by a friend to give it a shot. You know who you are - and you only have yourself to blame. Bear with me and hopefully I'll figure out how to make this at least moderately interesting for you.