Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

The first of the 12 finalists was sent home last night on American Idol. Once more, I called the bottom three correctly, with Syesha Mercado, David Hernandez and Kristy Lee Cook being singled out.

They each got a chance to sing their song from the previous night one more time, which is a kinder way to do it than having them sing it after they'd been eliminated.

When Syesha was sent back to the couch, I was pretty convinced David Hernandez was going home. Kristy Lee Cook may not be the biggest singer in the world, but she's pretty, has a sweet personality and a bit of country twang in her voice, all qualities that tend to do well on this show.

Also, the audience might have been willing to cut her some slack this week, figuring that she'd only been following the judges' suggestion when she sang a strange hoe-down version of "Eight Days a Week." After all, the judges had urged her to pursue the country route. If she comes up with another weak performance the following week, though, she could find herself out of second chances.

More on American Idol:

Musings on American Idol Season 7

I'm having a bit of a writer's block, so I'm going to answer 20 questions sent my way by The Cosplayer, who answered them on her blog. The original directions said to "tag" eight people, requiring them to respond, but I'll just say that anyone who reads this and wants to follow suit can do so. I've also made a few grammatical corrections to the questions, because I couldn't help myself.

1. You have 50 dollars in your pocket. What do you do with the money?

Wow, a whole 50 dollars? Well, if it's "found" money I didn't expect to discover, I'd probably buy something frivolous, like putting it towards a hard dance pad for Dance, Dance Revolution or maybe some spring clothes. Otherwise, I'd probably just use it for groceries.

2. What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I watch just about any competition-style reality show (big surprise, right?), ranging from American Idol to the somewhat laughable Make Me a Supermodel. I don't, however, like Survivor, Big Brother, The Bachelor or any of their clones.

3. Have you ever seen someone die?

Morbid much? No, I haven't, but I attended my first open-casket funeral when I was 12. It was a classmate and fellow church member who had died of cancer. He looked like he'd been sculpted in wax, and I couldn't help but wish I'd visited him more often.

4. What is the most evil article of clothing?

High-waisted pants. I can't believe they've come back in style.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Author of a book or two, mother to my first child.

6. Name a personal hero.

The first name that pops to mind is Emily Dickinson. She lived her life the way she wanted, focusing on what mattered to her, like gardening, baking, and writing some amazing, groundbreaking poetry.

7. What possession do you value the most?

My PC, which is essential for my work and my social interactions.

8. What do you say when creepy insects are in your house?

I call over our kitty, Luke, who likes to chase bugs.

9. What has made you unhappy recently?

I've been a bit upset about my husband, The Gryphon, being downsized at his company, but we're both optimistic he'll find another position.

10. What do you want most in life?

This reminds me of the Japanese independent film, Survive Style 5+, where a hired hit-man goes around asking people, "What's your purpose in life?" Can I just cop out and say, "To be happy?" No? Well, then I would say to achieve balance in my life, with successes in both my career and personal life.

11. If you could be on a show, what would it be?

I'd be on a sitcom, as anything but a single magazine writer living in New York City.

12. Do you go to bed before or after midnight?

After, especially on evenings where I'm working.

13. Who is currently the most important person to you?

My husband, The Gryphon.

14. What kind of person do you think you are?

Generally good.

15. What is your favorite thing about shoes?

I never used to appreciate fashion accessories, but I'm beginning to understand how the right shoes can complete a look.

16. Which fictional character could you see yourself marrying?

If I weren't already happily married, I'd say Superman, which is the first name that popped into my mind.

17. If you could have any music group play at your birthday party, who would it be?

David Bowie.

18. Do you bite your nails?

Not anymore. Ever since last summer, when I was looking towards our wedding, I've been trimming them.

19. Do you have an all-time favorite song?

I have a lot of favorites, such as "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" by David Bowie and "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. But I'll say "Believe" by Lenny Kravitz, because The Gryphon and I danced to it at our wedding.

20. If you were an undercover cop, and the criminals you were undercover with wanted you to eat a kitten to prove that you're not a cop, would you do so?

I'd palm the kitten and release it later. No, actually, I'd create a distraction and evade the situation.

Copyright 2008 by Alyce Wilson

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