Author: The city of Chaska

Published: In the city ordinance ledger, held by the Chaska Historical Society

When: These ordinances were passed between 1875 and 1941

Each week we publish a detail of a local building.

So when will the judges get the memo to stop hating on the contestants? Not that their dislike is entirely misplaced, but for a show as popular as American Idol is, it’s bad form to keep telling the audience week after week that the contestants aren’t doing good enough. Eventually the audience realizes you’re right and finds something else to watch.

We’re back at it this week, weeding out the weak and vetting the contestants to the world of pop music. A medical issue (a complication with Crystal Bowersox's diabetes, according to the blogosphere) has forced Idol producers to flip flop the guys and gals so we kick off the second week of the semifinals with the dudes.

From the outset, it appears that "makeovers" were the name of the game between episodes. Michael Lynche got in touch with his soul. Todrick vowed not to go all space age with his song arrangements. Even Ellen got in on the fun.

Bernard Leivermann, city brewerAuthor: Justice of the Peace W.D. Rosback

Each week we publish a detail of a local building. The next week we indentify the building, along with a detail of a different building. Do you know where the heck this is? Post your answer; e-mail [email protected]; or call (952) 345-6574.

With the bulk of this year's expectations sitting squarely on the shoulders of the Top 12 women (who are rumored to be harboring a winner), the guys can relax and enjoy the best seats in the house right? Looks like that's the plan for most of the men who almost seem resigned to seeing a woman take the crown this year. Shame. Shame. Shame.

On Monday, I shared introduced my Anti-Crunch Solution to 6-Pack Abs. We dispelled the 4 biggest myths about ab training. In case you missed it, you can read that post HERE. Today, I'm going to layout a simple step-by-step blueprint for you that will have you rocking six-pack abs by summer!
The Anti-Crunch Six-Pack Abs Blueprint:

I get it. There are 12 girls. Six will go home in the blink of an eye. Better to be safe than sorry, right? So pull out a trusty ballad, dust it off and sing it. Stay in the game long enough to get to the final 12 and cross your fingers that someone notices. Or, get to the top 10 and go on tour. Make a little money, enjoy a bit of notoriety.

Two years ago, horrified by the results of Bee Gees night, I came up with a list of theme night suggestions for American Idol. Someone must have been paying attention because we've since seen both Neil Diamond night and back-to-back Beatles nights. Thanks for reading, Idol, but don't stop there.