Please pass the Pepto!

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) accepts GOP nomination for vice president at
2012 Republican National Convention. Photo: Politico.com

As much as I like the drama and intrigue of politics, it really makes my blood boil when politicians twist the words of rivals.  They don't put words into each others' mouths, they conveniently disregard words that actually come out.

Last night, during his address to the Republican National Convention, vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan all but blamed President Obama for the closing of the General Motors assembly plant in his hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin.

“Right there at that plant, candidate Obama said: ‘I believe that if our government is there to support you … this plant will be here for another hundred years.’ That’s what he said in 2008. Well, as it turned out, that plant didn’t last another year. It is locked up and empty to this day,” said Ryan in his speech.

Random Generosity

While at Office Depot this afternoon, I encountered a kindergarten teacher who was buying notebooks for her class. She was getting 10 standard composition books and having them cut in half for her young students. As she was getting ready to pay, I said, "I will take care of it." The joyful surprise on her face was all the thanks I needed.

Teachers are under-appreciated, underpaid and under-supported, in my opinion. My late father was an educator and in his honor, I was happy to pick up this teacher's tab. I encourage others to do the same.

Chik-fil-A and The Bible

I found a link to this commentary on my Facebook news feed.  When I watched it, all I could do was say… Oh, Good Evening!!!

Idol Fills One Judging Vacancy

Filling one of the vacancies created when Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez quit, American Idol has announced the signing of Grammy winner Mariah Carey as a judge for next season.  After the news broke, Carey tweeted:

MariahCarey It's gonna be so much fun working on @AmericanIdol. As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent. LYM! --MC 7/23/12 3:11 PM

I'm probably in the minority, but the addition of Carey to American Idol doesn't move me.  Suffice it to say that Idol producers need to find a judge who will knock my socks off to keep my interest because as of right now, they have two judges that just don't excite me in Mariah and veteran Randy Jackson.

Oh, Good Evening!

Two Vacancies on American Idol's "Supreme Court"

The powers-that-be running American Idol are once again scratching their beds trying to figure out who can fill two vacancies on the popular show's judging panel in time to stay on schedule with auditions and production for Season 12.  Last week, Jennifer Lopez hinted that she might leave the show after two seasons.  Within days, Steven Tyler didn't just hint, he announced that he's done, leaving his "mistress," Idol, to focus on his main love, rock 'n roll.  Translated, his band Aerosmith is #1 in his heart.  Then a day later, JLo came back with a firm, "I'm leaving, too."

The question, now, is -- who should replace them?   

American Idol judges (l-r) Steven Tyler,
Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson.
Photo: FOX

I'm really sorry to see Lopez depart.  In terms of legitimate judging, she has been #1 among all the women who have occupied permanent seats on the panel and, I would rank her #2 all-time behind former judge Simon Cowell.  I think her departure hurts and I can't really think of who I would want as her replacement.  Suffice it to say, I'm not impressed by the names that have been floating around. (Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, etc.)

I also am sorry to see Tyler leave.  Yes, he is a crazy character but, I like the humor he brought to the show while still giving some decent critiques to the contestants based his passion for music and vast experience fronting a legendary band.  I will miss Tyler (if I return as a viewer next season) but could see his seat being filled by likes of Gene Simmons or Usher, maybe.