Z-factor

Ever wondered what happens to the contestants who don't win X-Factor or Pop Idol? Today we found out what three also-rans from American Idol 2007 find themselves doing: Albany, on an outdoor stage in late December. And though Albany has its charms, well, it's still... Albany.

We were downtown with some friends for the annual Winterfest on a dampish afternoon. Performances and activities (such as fun-runs and llama-petting) were taking place at various locations, but we concentrated on City Hall where we ended up watching quite a good reptile show. Reptile shows are emerging as a major feature of most public events, parties and museums we attend. We've come to regard them as top entertainment: you see what I mean about Albany?

After the reptiles we wandered outside for the closing ceremony, featuring the aforementioned Z-listers (they weren't bad, actually, though a couple of them did fancy themselves enormously considering), and a firework display. Funny how firework displays always go on about ten minutes longer than strictly necessary when you are standing outside in the cold.

Tonight we have just been watching Alvin and the Chipmunks on DVD, with lots of 'This is a good bit! Oh, this bit is REALLY funny!' from the kids, who had seen it before on an aeroplane. An official notice at the start of the film warned that we might be offended by instances of 'mildly rude humor' - and indeed, there were several 'hilarious' butt jokes.