For the past nine seasons, "American Idol" has become part of the fabric of our nation, giving talented wannabes an opportunity to break into the music scene. We have watched as many contestants sing before a panel of judges to get themselves critiqued on their performances so that we, the viewing public, can find out whether they have what it takes to make it in the business.

The show is heading into season number ten, and your favorite blogger has a few thoughts...

In 2010 :
Lo : 75 °
Hi : 95 °
Rainfall : 0.00 ”

In 2009 :
Lo : 72 °
Hi : 84 °
Rainfall : 2.22 ” ** Record Wettest

In 2008 :
Lo : 76 ° ** Record Warmest
Hi : 98 °
Rainfall : 0.19 ”

In 2007 :
Lo : 70 °
Hi : 92 °
Rainfall : 0.00 ”

In 2006 :
Lo : 74 °
Hi : 97 °
Rainfall : 0.01 ”
...

After working a grave shift, I took some information regarding a review to the Casino Shift Manager, Jack. Jack is one of our better managers. He was sitting in his office when I found him, looking a little lost. I gave him the information on the review, so he could do the follow up, then we talked a little about the casino, in general. He began to tell me how miserable he was and how he was thinking about quitting. He told me a little bit about all the things that he thought was wrong with our...

For anyone who is interested in Buying or selling real estate in Baton Rouge, here are some numbers that may motivate you.

* The first 6 months of sales in 2010 is up from 3602 from 3410 of 2009.

* In area 61, the area in which Tara Subdivision is located, the average # homes sold were 116 with a average price of $261,817. The average days on the market is 87.

This is good news for buyers and sellers. Homes are selling in this area in less than 3 months...

The “flight to safety” bid is still in effect. Yesterday, benchmark treasuries and mortgage backed securities both benefited from stocks selling off. The economic data came in as expected and the final treasury auction of the week posted weak results but with treasury yields so low, it is not surprising to see investor demand weaken. Most of the price gains with MBS occurred prior to the auction results, so the weak demand didn’t hurt. As the price gains held, all lenders did reprice...