Here are some things that caught my eye and ear the past few days. And, excuse the length, but, since I'll be away from The Hive for the next couple of weeks, I wanted to leave you some extra reading material:

• Where do you sit when you're a 44-pound cat? Anywhere you want. But it doesn't mean you're rulin' the roost.
• Just because "Extreme Makeover" gives you a new home doesn't prevent a visit by the repo man.
• Michelle Obama makes Vanity Fair's International Best-Dressed List, but someone else whose husband is running for president does not.
• George Carlin gets one last laugh, and you can have it.
• Does Paris Hilton really have some power and influence in L.A.? See what the LA Times found out.

... whatever happened to this once lovely mural that personified the downtown cultural arts district?

I can't claim to be a Gen X-er. I was born a few years before that era. But I'm still peeved at the sacrilege that JC Penney has committed regarding "The Breakfast Club."

For anyone over 40, the 1985 film is an iconic story about a group of high schoolers stuck serving detention in the Shermer High School library. Yes, it had stereotypes: the jock, the juvenile delinquent, the eccentric loner, the perfect girl and the geek.

But it also had a cast of then-hot talent (Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, etc.), a story filled angst and self-discovery, a hit song in "Don't You (Forget About Me)," and a script and direction by that '80s comet of a filmmaker, John Hughes. (Hey, whatever happened to him?)

Penney's takes this little gem and strips it down to a silly commercial advertising back-to-school fashions. It even tries to duplicate certain scenes. Clumsily.

What's next? "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" gets junked to help sell iPhones? "Footloose" is used for Converse ads? "Risky Business" helps sell Hanes underwear? All I know is that they better not touch Jeff Spicoli and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." That would be sacrilege-squared.

In 1969, two London chaps named John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Berg saw a lion cub penned up in the then-exotic pets department at Harrods. Taking pity on the poor creature, they bought him, raised him in Rendall's flat, exercised him in a churchyard and took him to their work place every day. And Christian, in turn, soaked up the attention and adored his owners.

But Rendall and Berg soon realized that the growing cat needed to be returned to the wild in Africa. With some sadness, they did so. They tried to visit when they could. But, after one long stretch of time, refuge keepers warned them that Christian -- who now was the head of a pride -- might not recognize them this time.

Behold the power of true love (and get out your hankies) ...

Nearly 7.2 million people have viewed this clip on YouTube. If you'd like to read the whole story on Christian the Lion, check out this 2007 article from London's Daily Mail.

... then you need to check out Flamenco in northeast Fresno.

The restaurant has a Singles Night every Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., that targets people who are 35 or older, single, divorced or widowed and tired of the usual dating scene.

The place has speed dating, but here's the part that caught the eye of a couple of friends: Ladies get 10% off drinks for each inch of heel. That's right, if you can squeeze your tootsies into, say, Victoria Beckham-like 5-inch stilettos, you get your drinks half off.

So, if anyone out there has 10-inch heels ...

...fans of the Stephenie Meyer series are breathlessly awaiting the fourth and final book, which will be released at 12:01 Saturday.

Until then, stories are popping up about clues to "Breaking Dawn," the ongoing saga of Bella and her hunky vampire Edward. Some info comes courtesy of Meyer herself, through an interview -- and let this be your SPOILER ALERT -- at Entertainment Weekly's Web site.

And the media coverage of the event continues to build. (I wrote a story that appeared in Monday's Bee, aimed at people unfamiliar with the tale. My Hive colleague Heather McLane recently wrote a blog about the phenomenon.

The Chicago Sun-Times has a story trying to explain the blockbuster. Newsweek has a Q&A with Meyer. The author is appearing on Good Morning America on Thursday, so the show is asking fans to send in questions. Heck, you can check Meyer's own Web site for any last-minute news.

And, of course, stars of the the upcoming movie "Twilight" (first book in the series) were a big hit at Comic-Con in San Diego.

Let's just hope "Breaking Dawn" lives up to all the hype.

Are you anxious to read this final book? Why?

Oh, Shia (and, heck, is it pronounced LaBoof or LaBeef?). Just last year in Vanity Fair magazine you talked about sticking to the straight and narrow. After all, your old man had a problem with drugs. You told VF:

"To say that I've never had a drink or smoked weed--coming from my family--is insane. But also, I know what it does if you get out of control. I know how hard it was to get my life to where it is. There's so much riding that those small little joys of the high are not interesting to me."

Well, I guess that was some piece of acting on your part. This weekend you -- allegedly -- got drunk and climbed behind the wheel of a pickup. You then collided with another vehicle. It's bad enough you racked up another suspicion of DUI for Hollywood's spoiled young set and injured yourself. But you also injured your passenger and the other driver. Hmm, what if today we were all talking about how you had killed someone?

But, going back to that VF article, I've wondered if being "the next big thing," as Lindsay Lohan once was touted, was getting to you. There was that weird, drunken confrontation with guards at a Walgreens in Chicago in late 2007. But La-La Land bigwigs overlooked it because, you know, you had just been in the money-maker "Transformers," and you were getting ready for the long-awaited hyped-up return of "Indiana Jones."

But maybe Hollywood will take a warier look this time. Gold Derby's Tom O'Neil penned this assessment about your possible status swing from serious up-and-coming actor to the next-big-headache.

In any case, by the looks of your truck at the accident (as seen on Hollywood.TV via YouTube.com), you got lucky this time. This one time.

For those who didn't catch Diane Sawyer's special about Randy Pausch in April, you'll have the opportunity to see it Tuesday, July 29, at 10 p.m. on ABC-TV (KFSN, Channel 30). It's called "The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life."

Pausch, a professor whose September 2007 "Last Lecture" became a YouTube phenomenon and basis for a best-selling book, died Friday at age 47 of pancreatic cancer. He became a beloved figure, through his bravery, humor and warmth in living every day its fullest, despite his illness. And he inspired others to recognize the goodness in life, to have fun and, so importantly, to have dreams.

If you would like to see the YouTube video -- which had generated more than 3.2 million hits by the day Pausch died and, as of this morning, is approaching 4.75 million hits -- here it is:

I can't let this Saturday go by without saying "Happy Birthday" to one of my fave actors, the enigmatic and brilliant Kevin Spacey.

He's turning 49 today, and I'll be the first to admit I doubt he can match his impressive heyday film stretch in the 1990s when the man won two Academy Awards within five years. How do you top films like "The Usual Suspects" and "American Beauty"?

And, yes, he's had some embarrassing misses in the years since (why make drivel such as "K-PAX"?)

But, so far in 2008, Kevin's enjoying a respectable year. His commitment to live theatre, as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London, continues strongly. His film, "21," was a modest hit. And he just earned an Emmy nomination for a best actor role in HBO's "Recount."

My favorite Spacey role and movie still is his turn as Verbal Kint in "The Usual Suspects," the first film in which Spacey caught my attention. I give an honorable mention to his role as Buddy Ackerman in "Swimming with Sharks."

Anyone out there have a favorite Spacey role or movie?

In April, ABC-TV's Diane Sawyer spent a whole hour in prime time with Randy Pausch. I had no idea who he was, or why he warranted such coverage. But the title was intriguing: "The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life." It became abundantly clear why she wanted to talk to him: It was an uplifting look into his fight against pancreatic cancer and his refusal to stop living life to its fullest. Warm and engaging, Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon professor, was the teacher we all wish we had had.

By then, he had become a huge YouTube phenomenon, with his "Last Lecture." It has generated more than 3.2 million hits.

Today, July 25, is a sad one for those who knew this day was coming but hoped for the impossible: Pausch lost his battle with cancer. He was only 47 and leaves behind his wife, Jai, and three children. Commentaries and remembrances have already started to pour in, such as this one on TIME's Web site.

Dylan Thomas once famously wrote, "do not go gentle into that good night" ... and Pausch certainly did not.

RoseMary Shell thought she had found the man of her dreams in Wayne Gibbs. And, gosh darn it, she thought he loved her, too. After all, he proposed in October 2006. So she quits her $81,000 job in Pensacola, Fla. to be with him in Gainesville.

Well, guess what Gibbs did ... and guess who sued for breach of contract.

And guess who won a $150,000 judgment.

Now, the national media is all over this story, and Shell did an exclusive interview this morning on the Today show. She's still got the engagement ring and plans to sell it. Judging by the size of that rock (not the one seen here), she'll be snagging some cool cash from any transaction.

There's a lot of lessons here for those who propose and for those who accept: What is a promise? What is a commitment? What is real love? And, unfortunately here, what's the name of a good lawyer?

We don't know all the details about this love affair gone sour. But do you agree with the jury's decision?

Here's the silly and not-so-silly stuff that's caught my eye and ear this week:

• I've never been one to indulge in pedicures and now, because of this idea, I know I won't.
• Who says the WNBA is boring? (Make sure you watch the video on this one.)
• The hoopla-meisters for the "Twilight" series repeatedly make comparisons to the superb "Harry Potter" books. Well, that's a bit much, but it gives me an opening to let you know this piece of HP news.
• The Screen Actors Guild, hitting the wall on contract negotiations with producers and studios, has a new foe. And it comes from within.
• Tom O'Neil, in his Gold Derby blog, raises the possibility of Academy Award nominations not just for Heath Ledger but for other parts of the super-duper-mega-hit "The Dark Knight." I wonder about it for a different reason: Will Oscar voters, worried about the shrinking audience for the annual TV show, consider multiple nods for the blockbuster because most people don't see the movies nominated. (OK, how many of you actually saw "No Country For Old Men"?)

It had to happen, but it's still sad. The weekly movie review show that Roger Ebert launched with the late Gene Siskel in 1975 is kaput.

Sure, Disney has tapped two guys who you probably never heard of to take over the "At the Movies" duties of Ebert (who's been off the show for about two years battling health issues) and Siskel's lightweight replacement, Richard Roeper, who couldn't reach a contract extension.

But, really, the show hasn't been the same since Siskel's death in 1999 (he's pictured here with Ebert). The show, born at a PBS station in Chicago, paired outspoken Sun-Times' film critic (Ebert) with his equally outspoken counterpart at The Tribune (Siskel). Their passion for film and depth of knowledge, combined with their spirited exchanges, was wonderful television as the show's title evolved from "Sneak Previews" to "Siskel & Ebert," reflecting their growing status with their famous thumbs-up or thumbs-down pronouncements. I loved watching them verbally spar over films or effusively praise them. I respected their opinions and couldn't wait to hear what they thought of the latest releases.

Together, they became arguably the two most famous film critics in the country. You can still watch their reviews by checking out the archives at this Web site ... for now, at least.

Yes, it's a wistful good-bye. As Siskel or Ebert use to say: "The balcony is closed."

Fans of the hit sitcom "The Golden Girls" are saddened by the passing Tuesday of Estelle Getty, the tiny actress who played Bea Arthur's acerbic but caring mother. I remember watching the show on Saturday nights and always looking forward to Getty's scenes as Sophia Petrillo. You never knew what she was going to let fly out of her mouth.

Most people will remember Getty, who would have turned 85 on Friday, for that Emmy Award-winning role (she's pictured here with the trophy in 1998). Even though she was about the same age as Arthur, Getty transformed into Sophia through a white wig, huge eyeglasses, frumpy clothes, an ever-present purse and wonderful comedic timing.

But here's a few other things you should know about Getty:

• She played Harvey Fierstein's mother in the original run of the Broadway hit and Tony Award-winning play"Torch Song Trilogy."
• She also played Cher's mother in the film "Mask."
• She started her career in Yiddish theater.
• She wrote a 1988 autobiography, "If I Knew Then What I Know Now ... So What."
• In a landmark for show biz lives, she was married for 57 years to businessman Arthur Gettleman, who died in 2004.
• There is an official Estelle Getty Web site.

You're No. 1 in your late night time slot for about a dozen years. You bring in millions of dollars in revenue to NBC. You're an amiable guy, not sharp-witted like your late night rival, but likable and consistently funny. You occasionally break real news, like when your buddy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced he was running for governor.

Yet it seems NBC can't wait, Jay Leno, to shove you out the door to make room for a younger, hipper model to host The Tonight Show. Worse, a lot of people don't seem to care that you're leaving.

I'll admit I'm more a fan of your rival, David Letterman. He's caustic but can be so deeply-in-the-moment, as in the days after 9-11. A lot of us thought he was the rightful heir to the Tonight job in 1992. Heck, even legendary Tonight host Johnny Carson (who's impending departure was bemoaned for months before it happened) clearly favored Letterman, appeared on his show and even secretly wrote jokes for Letterman monologues. Carson never once shared the Tonight stage with you.

I do, however, feel sorry for you. The NBC bosses finally announce that Conan O'Brien starts June 1 with nary an accolade tossed your way. I guess it's downsizing Hollywood style. But, I suspect you're already lining up your next TV gig. And, let's face it, you are a millionaire so-many-times over.

But let's see if we can drum up some love for you here.

Folks, who's the better late night host? Leno, Letterman or O'Brien? And why?

I'd been feeling some admiring regard for Sarah Jessica Parker. I totally backed her film version of "Sex and the City." I think she's an appealing actress and always seems like a genuine person in her media interviews.

I'm ready, however, to toss all that out the window now that I'm reading about her next idea. She thinks a "Project Runway" type of competition show centered on art will be a winner. We'll see if this really becomes a series on Bravo.

But what is she thinking? That art must be a shallow, I-know-what-I-like-when-I-see-it concoction requiring nothing more than a weekly premise and deadline pressure? That you can just label anything art and think the viewing public will buy it? That art is about as complicated as throwing together the ingredients of a Big Mac?

I know, I know. There will be people out there, for example, who think a lot of abstract art is a joke and over-rated and will applaud this type of endeavor. But that detracts from artists who seriously are trying to reflect the human experience or provide social commentary or just flat out mystify and amaze us through their artistic talent. This rant isn't about being snobby. It's about decrying another dumbing-down move that veils itself as educational but promises little in substance.

I can't wait to see how they describe Vincent Van Gogh: "Some Dutch guy who went cuckoo and cut off his ear. Oh, and yeah, he painted some sunflowers before he killed himself. They're mostly yellow and kinda cool."

I've no clue what the winner is supposed to get, but I bet it has more to do with "Sex and the City's" beloved Manolo Blahnik shoes than a trip to The Louvre.

The Gary Sinise lecture was bound to be a hit at the California State University Summer Arts program. He's a laudable stage actor, of character actor working roots, who's co-founder of one of the country's most prestigious theatre companies. He's also carved out a successful niche in the dog-eat-dog world of Hollywood and worked with some of the biggest names in the business, from Tom Hanks to Mel Gibson to Ron Howard.

If he's in Fresno, how could you not want to hear him talk about his experiences? The answer was obvious Sunday evening at Fresno State's John Wright Theatre. The venue was packed. The buzz was palpable. When Sinise walked on stage, he got a standing O (and at the end, too). The guy in front of me leaned forward in his seat and never sat back.

The setup was simple. Two chairs were placed toward the front of the stage. John Mayer, who teaches at CSU Stanislaus and has known Sinise for nearly 40 years, served as James Lipton for the evening. A short video offered highlights from Sinise's career, including clips from his Oscar-nominated turn as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump" (which, naturally, got the biggest cheers from the audience) and "Apollo 13." But it also showed scenes from Steppenwolf Theatre Company's landmark 1982 stage production of "True West," which Sinise also directed and co-starred in with John Malkovich, and from the company's adaptation of "The Grapes of Wrath" (which won a 1990 Tony Award for Best Play).

The video was a reminder of what an intense, compelling actor Sinise can be. And yet, the man who chatted for about an hour Sunday came across as modest and grateful for the career that he has enjoyed.

The fascinating thing about well-known glass artist Therman Statom is the sheer boundary-pushing, escape-what's-traditional aspects of his work.

I've been intrigued with glass art since I attended and wrote a story about a Randy Strong workshop at Fresno State this spring, admiring the stamina, beauty and and awe-striking nature of blown glass. I've since dropped in at places such as The Sanders Gallery in Fig Garden Village, where glass art takes a prominent role, and Gallery 25, where Fresno State instructor Joseph Morel has displayed some of his pieces.

So I looked forward to Statom's lecture Thursday evening, as part of the California State University Summer Arts program in Fresno. About 70 people showed up at the Conley Lecture Hall, where Statom was going to use a huge screen to show photos of his art.

It's too bad we couldn't see an actual Statom piece but totally understandable. He can work on a gloriously large scale that combines glass and paint. While renowned Dale Chihuly creates fantastical and huge curvy explosions of glass, Statom's are linear and edgy and carry a sense of heft, an approach more in tune with abstract art.

We could only stare at the photos and hope to see his work in person some day, somewhere.

We at The Hive prefer not to slink into the messy world of politics. You know, the hot air/rhetoric galore/I'll promise you anything/flip flop/gotcha atmosphere we've been living with in this lively election year. But when JibJab releases a new video? That's an exception to the rule.

The Venice-based digital entertainment studio put itself on the viral map in 2004 with its humorous spoof of then presidential candidates George Bush and John Kerry vying for the highest office in the land by singing "This Land is Your Land." Since then, creators Evan and Gregg Spiridellis have conjured up some doozy animated fare that reminds politicians that they better have a sense of humor.

So, without further ado, the latest from the folks at JibJab:

Now that the glittery hoopla over "Sex and the City" has subsided, it was time for me, a 40-plus woman, to see the film.

A longtime gal pal and I finally caught it last week. Both of us were not diehard fans of the HBO series but familiar enough to know about the four main female characters and some generalities about the TV story. (I also couldn't help but notice that there were only four men in our theater audience, out of about 30 people, and that the guy closest to me was letting out some heavy "when is this going to be over" sighs about 90 minutes in.)

I had read some of the reviews, including Donald Munro's critique. Many were not complimentary, or were downright scathing, like this one from Manohla Dargis of The New York Times. (If you check rottentomatoes.com, it averaged a mediocre 51% approval rating among the nation's critics.) I sensed resentment that star Sarah Jessica Parker (aka Carrie Bradshaw) would dare revisit these characters since the series ended in 2004.

Now, having seen it, I question all the spite but understand it: This is a chick flick in the purest sense of the genre. I'm convinced only women, especially women of my age, will thoroughly enjoy it. And get it.

If you're going to watch this evening's MLB Home Run Derby, keep an eye out for the viral "Grizzlies Ball Girl" shagging flies in the Yankee Stadium outfield.

It's true. She's the ball girl featured in the never-televised Gatorade ad that's so far snagged millions of Internet views and includes a tie-in to the Fresno Grizzlies.

My intrepid colleague Mike Oz was all over this one way before national shows like "Good Morning America" caught on, helping to push the "wow" video that shows the ball girl making an incredible Bruce Lee-like move to catch a fly. (For those who haven't seen it, it's a matter of is it real? Not real?)

And The Bee's Daniel Lyght wrote a story on how Fresno Grizzlies' pitcher Victor Santos is part of the commercial. Even The Los Angeles Times couldn't resist writing a story.

The folks at the Fresno Grizzlies today issued a release saying the young woman will be catching balls once the Home Run Derby starts at 4 o'clock today our time on ESPN. They also say the Gatorade ad now is expected to debut during the All-Star Game broadcast, on FOX (KMPH Channel 26), which starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Hey, it's cool that a Fresno-related pop culture moment continues but, since this is a grand slam-like big deal, can someone identify the young woman so that she gets some proper recognition?

Those of you lining up for the new Apple iPhone today may want to read this story posted just this morning by the Associated Press. Is it just a glitch, or a sign of iPhone Armegeddon?

OK, that's me exaggerating. Let's face it, people are going to gorge on these gadgets, no matter up. But say you bristle at being part of any gotta-have-it trend, yet still want something like the iPhone. This story from ABC News outlines four options.

Meanwhile, you can read about the local run-up to iPhone mania on my colleague Will Albritton's recent blogs.

One of Kerry Yo Nakagawa's proudest projects, the film "American Pastime," continues to draw attention. The 2007 film is mentioned as part of a PRI The World audio slide show about Nisei Baseball.

The four-minute segment, called "American Pastime: Baseball Behind Barbed Wire" on The World news radio network, includes comments by Fresnan Nakagawa, the associate producer of the 2007 movie. Nakagawa, who's been an actor, also is an author, filmmaker, historian and director of the Nisei Baseball Research Project.

Reporter Clark Boyd's story is about the role of baseball in the lives of Japanese Americans, particularly during their internment in relocation camps during World War II. But it also talks about the Japanese-Americans who served during the war, such as the of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in U.S. military history.

As we approach the All-Star break for Major League Baseball, this segment is a reminder of players and events in baseball's history that have yet to be fully known or appreciated.

Look, I'm not a big fan of ABC's "The Bachelor" or its spin-off, "The Bachelorette." They throw an object of desire in front of 25 contenders, expect love to bloom with somebody and hope a marriage proposal neatly wraps up the series in a matter of weeks. It perpetuates the shallow fantasy that lasting love is easily attained and, worse, puts it in the context of a competition.

But I tuned in for Monday's "Bachelorette" finale because DeAnna Pappas, so cruelly rejected by Brad Womack last year on "The Bachelor," gamely gave it another go. At times, she was like a CEO conducting job interviews, all serious and intense. But she also wore her heart on her sleeve, teared up a lot and, too often, kept saying she wasn't going to be like Brad and lead people on (which, inevitably, she did).

So I cheer her selection of Jesse the professional snowboarder. (OK, he doesn't have a great job, but they can sign up for another reality show.) Jesse is fun. He made sure they were friends first (as much as you can do that in a few weeks). And, then he really fell for her. I loved that he was all nervous and nearly heaved on the sidewalk on the way to get the ring.

Let's face it. You knew she wasn't going to pick account executive Jason, who was like "Mr. Safe," after she dumped real estate attorney Jeremy, "Mr. Perfect," just days before.

On the after-show, the cute couple announced they will wed next May ... Of course, given this show's history of failed relationships, what are the odds that really happens?

It's a combination that probably seemed irresistible for this season of the California State University Summer Arts program in Fresno: The words of of Fresno native son William Saroyan, in this centennial year celebrating his birth, and the acting talents of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, one of the country's most respected thespian groups.

Whoever thought of it had a pretty nifty idea.

Five fine actors, most with Steppenwolf ties, took center stage Saturday night to a packed house at the John Wright Theatre at Fresno State. The quintet -- Alexandra Billings, Evelyn Case, David Razowsky, Rick Snyder and Alan Wilder -- sat on high stools, their only "props" tall music easels to hold their scripts. Behind them was a large screen and, soon into the performance, it became clear a sixth "actor" would be participating -- Saroyan himself through his voice and black-and-white photographs of the writer projected on the screen. The only other connective element in this show was music from the era when Saroyan was at his most robust, the 1930s and 1940s (plus the obvious inclusion of the Rosemary Clooney's 1951 hit, co-written by Saroyan, "Come On-a My House.")

This kind of presentation breaks down words to their core. There is no eye-popping set, no dramatic lighting or special effects, no magnificent costumes to bolster the actors' performances. This was all about the actors' ability to bring Saroyan's ideas to life.

More than that, it was an opportunity to introduce Saroyan to those who have not read his stories or seen his plays or other works. You left the evening with a greater appreciation for his humor and insight, especially in intimate matters of everyday lives.

July 4th, the big American holiday. Lots of traditional fireworks glittering around the city in the evening, setting off colorful sparkles and booms and shrill whistles. On such an evening as this, why would anyone be indoors?

Just ask those who caught the Friday concert of gospel music performed by James Hall and choir as part of the California State University Summer Arts program in Fresno.

Why go? Two words: Vocal fireworks.

Gospel music, of course, has the power to reach into the depths of a soul and wring strength from struggle or rev ecstasy from glory. Its rhythms and harmonies, especially through a choir, remind us of the potency of unity. Gospel may be an expressive, spiritual search for God and goodness and answers to life's low moments, but -- musically -- it's also an art form of its own.

The concert, staged in the Fresno State Music Building's Concert Hall, was facilitated by CSUF professor Thomas Whit Ellis. Organizers said it was a "first of its kind" for the Summer Arts program, one that took two years to pull together. It was well worth the effort.

Yes, Idol lovers, winner David Cook is as nice and modestly grateful and earnest as he seems on television.

Cook and the rest of the "American Idol" Top 10 are in Fresno today for just the third concert on their long, jam-packed summer tour. Just hours before the 7 p.m. show, five of them meet with the local media at the Save Mart Center: Cook, Brooke White, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay.

All five are friendly and talkative, trying to explain this chaotic Idol bubble they live in as they do one-on-one interviews with different media members. As you might expect, White is the effervescent presence here: Big smile. Engaging and charming. She leans in, looks you directly in the eye and chats as if you two have been chums for years.

And Cook, of course, is this season's king who wears the crown (though, today, it's a porkpie hat). With these kind of media events, you never know which of the 10 will be made available. But my Fresno group is lucky: We each get a few minutes with the rocker dude.

All five regularly use the words "fun" and "exciting" to describe the tour and the concerts. They readily admit they're not getting much sleep ... but who can sleep when there are about 50 more shows to do and so many people who adore you right now?

If you're going to tonight's concert, tell me what you thought and send me a review.

In the meantime, here's some insight from these five Idol performers before they took the stage Thursday:

Here's what caught my eyes and ears this week:

• Rush Limbaugh fans can keep calling their idol for eight more years.
• Peter Cook is learning the hard way what it's like when a nasty celeb divorce airs in public.
• The Sun in the UK is reporting that twins were born ... to a 70-year-old woman. That's right. 70!
• Anyone who enjoys magazines should note the passing of editor extraordinaire Clay Felker.
• USA Today has an update on the much-anticipated film "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." However, it somehow missed the "Trainspotting" reference from this story in The Telegraph in the U.K. Hmm, not sure what to make of this. I just hope it doesn't involve Severus Snape.

Happy July 4th everyone!

I had no idea that Jason Castro had his share of "Dreadheads" around here until I wrote a story about him and fellow "American Idol" finalist Brooke White. Some folks out there just love this guy.

To help AI fans wait out the hours until the Top 10 finalists perform Thursday at the Save Mart Center, I'm sharing some AI news:

• Auditions soon will be underway for Season 8, including a July 17 stop in San Francisco.
• We know Ruben Studdard just got married, but did you know this about Season 5's Paris Bennett?
• Want to know how the AI female finalists are doing right before tour time? Check out Richard Rushfield's story in The Los Angeles Times.
• Beatboxer and Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis is out of luck.
• Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, with no hit records, takes a stab at Broadway.