The recent talk regarding American Idol has revolved around one of two things: 1) Paula Abdul's slow, sad descent into dementia and 2) the fact that the show seems much more cruel than usual. (I'd like to see Randy's uselessness and Simon's insistence on wearing t-shirts at least two sizes too small also thrown into the discussion, but I digress).

There's been enough ink spilled on the first point that I really don't have too much to add. Suffice it to say that I think all Paula needs is some rest and an exorcism and she'll be fine.

As to the second point, I agree that the show has become much more cruel as of late. I think that the judges have been mean and that the show seems to focus on the bad auditions rather than the good ones. And you know what? I think it's great.