2009 ‘American Idol’ audition cities announced

Fox announced this week the audition cities for the forthcoming season of “American Idol” in winter 2010. Following is the list, as well as details on how to take part in Boston, the first city to host auditions.

Glancing through the details, I can’t imagine being one of those people who only audition to be one of the “worst of” people they highlight early on. Why go through so much effort just to be on TV for five minutes? Do you need attention that desperately? If you can really sing, that’s one thing, but seeing that makes these people appear all the more pathetic.

•••

Boston, MA – June 14, Gillette Stadium

Atlanta, GA – June 18, Georgia Dome

Los Angeles, CA – June 30, Rose Bowl

Orlando, FL – July 9, Amway Arena

Denver, CO – July 14, Invesco Field at Mile High

Chicago, IL - TBD, TBD

Dallas, TX - TBD, TBD

Boston AMERICAN IDOL Audition Information

WHO: Men and women 16-28 years old as of June 12, 2009, who are eligible to work in the U.S. Some restrictions apply –  visit americanidol.com for specific information.

WHEN: Sunday, June 14, 2009

WHERE: Gillette Stadium

1 Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA 02035-1388

HOW: Wristbands will be distributed from 7 AM June 12 until 8 AM June 14. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Gillette Stadium by 5: AM June 14.

Trying to reduce pothole problem in Niagara Falls

Here is an interesting Web site – run by an insurance company – that was set up to let residents chronicle their potholes in Niagara Falls (if you live there and don’t have a pothole problem, you never leave your house).

The site encourages residents to post pics and stories, and it has links for claim forms against the city for damage done to cars from potholes and numbers to call to complain about the matter.

The site isn’t much (or anything really) at this point, but it’s a good idea to give people a common ground from which to launch their complaints. Not that fixing the potholes will solve the city’s woes, but as a city resident I don’t like the fact that the potholes have made Niagara Falls a punchline. The roads would probably be in better shape if they’d never paved over the brick roads of a century ago.  They make residents regret choosing to live there (as if residents needed more reasons to resent the city).

Act. Speak out. Complain. At the very least, it will be therapeutic. And check out the site, because sharing the pain always helps.