I'm just not feelin' it, dawg

Tonight was the first results show on American Idol and four would-be superstars got the boot: Melinda, Sarah, Jared, and Judd. I think America did a pretty good job of voting this time. The lessons that should be learned from this week's performances are 1) don't sing a Celine Dion song unless you actually are Celine Dion (Melinda), 2) don't sing a group number that requires background vocals (Sarah), 3) don't sing off key (Jared) and 4) don't wear red velour pants if you're a guy (Judd). Personally, I thought Judd's performance was entertaining and I give him props for not singing a whiny ballad (a Michael Bolton song, Joseph? PUHLEASE!). It's going to be a great season and I'm looking forward to everything but Ryan Seacrest's lame jokes. Rock on, Idols!

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got- I'm still Bridgie from the block

Hello blog fans! Just thought I would share the news with y'all that I finally got a University of Illinois class ring. I've never been much of a jewelry person (mostly because I've never made enough money to afford the good stuff before and I'm kind of a klutz), but this ring is quite fabulous. It's 14 K white gold with the Alma Mater crest in the middle and BS 1996 on the sides. 2005 is the perfect year to show off the fact that you're an Illinois alum since the men's basketball team is 26-0. GO ILLINI! But even though I've got some bling now, I'm still the same humble girl from Paris, IL (hence the title of this post). However, I still think that there should be a song with the name Bridget in the title. Why should Mary Lou, Rosanna, and Sherry get all the glory?

PLAY BALL!!!

Oh happy day! Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training today and I couldn't be more pleased. Let's get this baseball season up and running! I can't wait until they start playing games so maybe there will be more news stories besides Jose Canseco's steroid allegations. He's not exactly what you would call a reliable source or a role model ("Well, I wouldn't recommend steroids and human growth hormone for everyone, but they definitely helped me become an All-Star"). That's great, Jose. Hopefully kids aren't watching 60 Minutes for pointers on how to improve their baseball skills...

Another exciting event scheduled for tonight is that Simon, Randy, and Paula will pick the 24 finalists for American Idol. This means that next week we can finally start voting for our favorites. It really looks like this season could have the most talented contestants yet. Personally, I'm rooting for the Latin kid, Mario Vazquez. Shake your bon-bon, honey!

Song of the day: "Let's Get It Started"- The Black Eyed Peas

It's a beautiful day for a ballgame

T.G.I.F.! Sometimes it really is great to work in college athletics. Today I get to leave the office early to watch a baseball scrimmage (and they're gonna play extra innings- BONUS!). Finally, a cure for the wintertime blues. You can't beat fun at the old ballpark, especially on a rare nice day in mid-February. GO TIGERS!

"It's Time" to thank God for Michael Buble'

If you are searching for some romantic music for Valentine's Day, then look no further than the vocal stylings of Michael Buble'. I just received his new CD "It's Time" in the mail today, and I think it is fabulous. For those of you who may not have heard of this twentysomething crooner, Michael Buble's singing style can be compared to Harry Connick Jr. and Frank Sinatra. For you men out there, if you want to get lucky, just play one of his CD's and your woman will be putty in your hands. Not only does Mr. Buble' have a beautiful voice, but he's also quite a looker (check out his photo spread on http://www.michaelbuble.com/ ). I have to give my mom all the credit for turning me on to his music. Excellent work, Little Mama! Now if you could only arrange a chance meeting... ;)

Song of the day (from Michael Buble's new CD of course): "Save The Last Dance For Me"

Where have you gone, Kyle Farnsworth?

Today is a sad day for all female Cubs fans as mega-babe Kyle Farnsworth was traded to the Detroit Tigers. It's a shame that we will no longer see his hot bod on the mound at Wrigley Field (those thighs are absolutely breathtaking). Considering the Tigers aren't what you would call a big market ballclub, most women will not get to see him toe the rubber very often. But luckily baseball fanatics such as myself can continue to follow his ass- oops I meant career- via the MLB Extra Innings package. You poor ladies with basic cable will unfortunately be missing out on some serious eye candy. And if you think the Cubbies have some other hotties to take Farnsie's place, you are sorely mistaken. Other than studly catcher Michael Barrett and baby-faced outfielder David "Please don't send me back down to AAA Iowa" Kelton, the 2005 Cubs are not exactly what you would call attractive. However, the "Ugly Cubs" of 1998 did manage to win the Wild Card, so maybe there's hope for the team yet.

Song of the Day (dedicated to Kyle Farnsworth): "Hot Legs" by Rod Stewart

Do you believe in love?

So I'm about to waste an hour of my life watching "The Bacholorette", or as I like to call it this season, "the cure for insomnia." What is it about human nature that makes us continue to watch TV programs even though they're boring us to tears? All I can figure is that A) I have nothing better to do on a Monday night, B) I really want to believe that some chick who handpicks 25 guys should be able to find at least one who's boyfriend material, or C) that reality TV is about as addictive as Diet Coke. Although the truly correct answer is D) all of the above, I'm going to go with B) because I want to believe in love as Huey Lewis and the News once sang so beautifully. Although the success rate on this series has been miniscule, it did work out for Trista and Ryan so I still hold out hope for another love connection. Maybe it's because I'm a Cubs fan, but I have faith that the chronically single will eventually find their soulmate (at least that's what I keep telling myself). Good luck, Jen and all you single ladies and gentlemen out there!

Lyrics of the day: "Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go straight to my lover's heart for me."- Sam Cooke

I'm a virgin blogger

I've never blogged before, but I thought I'd give it a try since all the kids are doing it these days. If blog is short for babble log, then I'm already a pro because I can definitely babble with the best of them...

This week's prevailing theme has been the trade of Sammy Sosa for Jerry Hairston Jr. and 2 minor leaguers. Are you telling me that all the Cubs could get for a future Hall of Famer was a utility man and a couple of scrubs? It seriously boggles my mind that a bunch of grown men couldn't take an afternoon to sit down and work out their differences before it came to this. All I know is that this "master plan" of the front office better translate into a world championship soon...

Song of the week: Whatever Dusty Wants, Dusty Gets