Back Again

America's Got Talent was back for it's umpteenth season (okay seventh) and the addition of Howard Stern as a judge made the panel a lot more lively without the smug Englishman (sorry for such a negative opinion, Pierce). Howard definitely makes Howie Mandel seem even crazier- but in a nice way. That plus the fact that Howard is not afraid to touch people (unlike Howie) and actually seems to like your average citizen (something I never quite got from the recently departed and above referred to judge) is a definite improvement. It's hard to know why I like watching these shows. My family wanders in and out while it's on with expressions of pained fascination with my apparent wide range of cultural interests. (Okay, I also really like The Approval Matrix on the last page of New York magazine as another cultural litmus test). They managed to wrap up last night's opener with a very touching father daughter singing duo 

(Maurice and Shanice Hayes) who had me crying along with everyone else there. The combination of their voices, back story and seemingly fond respect for each other made me hope that they go all the way. From street performers to a decked out stint in Vegas - can a rag to riches story get any better than that?

And in addition- I think Nick Cannon does a world class job as m.c.  What a mensch!!

Out of Nowhere

I'm dipping down again and trying to remember all the things that are positive and for which I am very grateful. Sometimes, just doing tedious tasks helps as it's better than feeling this weight of sadness and accomplishing nothing. Amazing the ways emotions ride through me and grip my being. I can wish it weren't so and certainly contributing, productivity, creating, caring and humor help tremendously. I am not addicted per se to reality TV but I can be a fan of a certain individual and be happy for the serendipity when an unknown is discovered. A current contestant on America's Got Talent, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.has been employed most recently detailing cars in West Virginia and has always longed to perform as a singer. It's likely as a result of this show that his life will never be the same. I wish him and his family success and happiness. His story gives me hope.