Let's turn back the clock one year. Oh yes, 2009. To quote Ol' Blue Eyes himself, it was a very good year. At least when it came to American Idol it was. The top five took on the Rat Pack (i.e. it was Standards night). Eventual Season 8 champ Kris Allen gave us a tolerable "The Way You Look Tonight." Alison Iraheta dazzled with a smokin' hot "Someone to Watch Over Me" (still in high rotation on my iPod).

I’M SO EXCITED! And, so is she…

Entering the Clover Ridge neighborhood April 24, I was passed by a SUV with a pink and white plastic playhouse perched on top.

Yes. It was once again time for the 24th annual Jonathan Festival of Garage Sales.

The sales, organized by St. Andrew West Lutheran Church, are a great barometer of trends and technology.

So it's almost time for Sinatra week on Idol. Despite it being a minefield for criticism about being old-fashioned, the standards theme has also provided some really memorable performances in past seasons of Idol. These are the songs that form the backbone of American music today, so it's important to pay tribute to them. This is one Idol theme I have no desire to see retired.

Harry Connick, Jr. will not only guide the contestants this week, but word on the street is that he will also be arranging the songs and orchestrations for them. Can I get a Hallelujah??