Where is Simon when you need him most?

And American Idol certainly needed the critically-eared Brit last night when the top 13 guys took the Hollywood stage for the first time.

It was overall an unimpressive lot, though it was collectively their first time on live television. However, the judging trio of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler gave all 13 performers six thumbs up.

They raved, gushed and admired the singers without any real judging going on at all. Since they won’t do it, we will.

The Sulphur Springs News-Telegram is giving away two tickets to see Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at the Gexa Energy Pavilion on Thursday, April 19.

Thanks to Luis Noble, I've found a new place to eat in the Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff.

• Dallas percussionist Drew Lang will appear with Mark Miller, on violin, and Ute Miller, on viola, in the Hopkins County Courthouse, on Monday, Feb. 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  The three accomplished musicians will explore the world of electronic effects, as familiar sounds get a makeover.

I don't know about the rest of the Parrothead nation, but I'm really happy about today's annoucement from Jimmy Buffett re: A change in his Texas latitude.