The Daily News
1 They're baaaaack.
2 Well, how much more of this can America take?
3 As always, I watched the first edition of American Idol, an annual ritual that has suddenly taken hold in my life. Unlike a lot of people, I get a kick out of some of the early moments each season.
4 I'm not sure WHY I enjoy it, but I've noticed that music teachers as a whole absolutely love the early days of American Idol. I don't consider myself a music teacher proper by any means, but I've certainly been at the table watching people audition, sing, play, etc. And some of my best friends ARE music teachers. And yes, they tend to love American Idol.
5 I think part of the reason that we performing arts sorts enjoy it is that we often need to nurture the egos and hurt feelings of people who can't face their own shortcomings as performers.
6 I recall quite a few moments with talent show auditions in particular when I had to leave my reading glasses outside the Theatre lest they should crack.
7 So it might just be the vicarious fun of watching someone with much less heart dealing with those sorts that draws me to American Idol. Of course, we are in the business of trying to take some of the more challenging talents, and then teaching, cajoling, and supporting them so that they are able to perform better, but it can be a lot of work requiring a lot of patience.
8 And yes, we have moments where we wish we could say the sorts of things one hears coming out of the mouths of Mssrs. Randy and Simon, but really, we just can't.
9 Music teachers seem to really enjoy the show because they KNOW what it takes to get good, and it takes hard work, long hours, practice, and yes, a little talent as well.
10 When those people fall down crying and all, it's evident that they are angry not at Simon or at Randy, but at themselves for not being properly prepared. Or perhaps they have come dreadfully close to something deeper going on in their lives. Maybe we just enjoy watching the tears and fears because we have somehow survived one more day in life without having to face our own deepest fears. And maybe that's why we enjoy American Idol. Is that goin' too deep? There but by the graces...
11 Ah, it's a great escape. There are times in life when a little escape is a good thang. Let's just keep it at that.
12 There was a brief moment last night when it looked as though Paula had a bottle of Captain Morgan under the desk. It goes pretty well with Coke, evidently. She seemed a bit out of it. With some of those beasts and bears who were screaming, I can perhaps see how she could be driven to it. But really, at some point we simply must ask, "How much more of this can we take?"
13 I wonder what the under is on amount of weeks before she walks out?
14 Anyway, I guess if nothing else, one could easily say that American Idol is a perfect bridge between football season and baseball season. If you don't follow basketball, this is the next best thing, a perfectly nice way to pass time...
15 Moving on: I stumbled into this store called LIDS yesterday, a hat store, to be sure. Don't know why, but the guy behind the counter said I looked like a hat guy.
16 Musta been the hat.
17 The baseball hats were in, and already I began to smile. Okay, so it's January. Okay, so there are scandals going on. I can't help it; I love baseball.
18 Yesterday I received an e-mail from the new baseball coach. Frankly, I can't even remember his name, or even what he wanted. I just remember that when I left for the day, the sun was shining, and I had already begun to think about baseball season.
19 As a Giants' fan, I have a lot of trouble trying to even think of Barry Zito in a Giants' uniform, and I feel pretty sheepish around my A's friends, but I guess that's the nature of the game.
20 I actually bought TWO new baseball caps. One of them I popped on my head immediately, and the other stayed in the bag. The one I popped on was the Giants' pre-season hat, the one with a G on the front. It's too small, but it was the only size they had. I didn't even care. I just shoved it down so it fit and then I broke into a big smile. My hat was smooshed, hair stumbling all over my clumsy ears, and my sunglasses glistened despite their smudges. But I smiled pleasantly anyway. All was baseball. All was hope.
21 The sun shone on the hood of the Toooondra as I drove myself home.
22 There's just something that gives you strength when you think baseball.
23 Call it a reassurance, I don't know.
24 I just know that it is familiar, and that it always brings a smile. Baseball fans know exactly what I'm talking about.
25 Life happens.
26 And then there's the game.
27 Peace.
~H~
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